Kobe Bryant's $410 Nike Basketball Shoe Is Worth the Hype

Every year, Nike celebrates Kobe Bryant's enduring legacy on August 23 and 24. Bryant's birthday, followed by Kobe Day (inspired by his jersey numbers), always includes sneaker drops and previews of upcoming models. This year, Nike didn't wait to tip off the festivities.

Last weekend was the 2026 Mamba Invitational, where fans were treated to a sneak peek of several unreleased colorways and even a glimpse of Bryant's next signature shoe.

Yesterday, we learned the Nike Kobe NXT Prototype will cost $410 in adult sizes. Below is a breakdown of what we know about that shoe and what's to come.

Nike Kobe NXT Prototype

Last week in Los Angeles, Troy "TYP" Murray's art installation showed the outsoles of the Nike Kobe 1-11, Nike Kobe AD, and a never-before-seen outsole at the end. Dan Sunwoo, VP and GM of the Nike Kobe Brand, told the media that it was one of Bryant's unfinished projects, finally launching in the near future.

Complex followed up with reporting that the Nike Kobe AD NXT will be released in two versions: Prototype ($410) and 1.0 ($210). The shoes are expected to launch in 2027. Currently, there are no images or tech specs for the upcoming models besides the outsole.

This is one of the most exciting developments for the Nike Kobe line in some time, as it promises the revival of the "NXT" line and a major leap in performance technology. Nike isn't done, as other exciting sneakers are dropping in the meantime.

Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro "Grinch"

The Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro "Grinch" is expected to launch in September 2026 for $190 in adult sizes. The silhouette sports a mix of Electric Green and Stadium Green as an homage to the most recognizable colorways in basketball shoe history.

Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro "Orca"

The Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro "Orca" is expected to launch in November 2026 for $190 in adult sizes. The silhouette features an all-black design with Metallic Cool Grey detailing. It is reminiscent of the high-top version of the sneakers Bryant wore on the court during the 2007-08 NBA season.

Nike Kobe AD Protro "Purple Stardust"

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic wears the Nike Kobe AD "Purple Stardust" in 2019. — Luka Doncic wears the Nike Kobe AD "Purple Stardust" in 2019. | USA TODAY Sports

The Nike Kobe AD Protro "Purple Stardust" will reportedly return later this month for $155 in adult sizes. Fans will remember the shoes from 2017, as they were the first silhouette to launch after Bryant's retirement. The model was not part of the Nike Kobe signature line and was a letdown on the court.

Still, that did not stop NBA players from wearing the shoes (especially in the "Purple Stardust" colorway. If there was a shoe that needed to be retooled as part of the Protro series, it is the Nike Kobe AD.

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