More than a decade after its original debut, the Kobe 10 returns as a Protro. Nike has reworked the 2015 basketball silhouette with modern performance technology while staying true to the core character of the original.
When it first launched, the Kobe 10 combined a lightweight construction with cushioning, traction, and support. For the Protro version, short for “performance retro,” the upper, midsole, and outsole have been refined to meet the demands of today’s game.
The new engineered mesh upper offers increased breathability and flexibility. A wider forefoot and strategically placed reinforcements also improve comfort without compromising the support needed for quick, dynamic movements.
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The most significant technical update comes underfoot. Instead of the original combination of Lunarlon and heel Air Zoom, Nike has equipped the Kobe 10 Protro with Cushlon 3.0 foam and a full-length Zoom Strobel. The new setup is designed to deliver greater responsiveness, improved energy return, and a more consistent court feel across the entire foot.
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The outsole has also been reengineered using motion data from the Nike Sport Research Lab. While the core traction concept of the Kobe 10 remains intact, it has been refined to support quick cuts, explosive takeoffs, and rapid changes of direction.
The signature carbon fiber forefoot wing returns unchanged, continuing to provide additional lateral stability during dynamic movements. The hidden “Endure and Conquer” message also remains.
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The updates to the Kobe 10 Protro were developed through extensive wear testing and athlete feedback. Additional colorways featuring the engineered mesh upper will follow later this year, while Nike has also announced Flyknit versions with ZoomX foam for 2027.
The Nike Kobe 10 Protro releases on August 23, 2026, in the Halo colorway and will be available at the following retailers: AFEW-Store and BSTN.
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Photos via Nike
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