More than ten years after its original debut, the Kobe 10 returns as the Protro. For this release, Nike has reimagined the basketball silhouette—which debuted in 2015—with the latest performance technologies, without altering the fundamental character of the original.
Back then, 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 specifically redesigned and adapted to the demands of today’s game of basketball.
The new Engineered Mesh upper offers greater breathability and flexibility. At the same time, a wider forefoot area and strategically placed reinforcements are designed to provide more comfort without compromising the necessary support during quick movements.
The most significant technical change is found underfoot. Instead of the original combination of Lunarlon and Air Zoom in the heel, Nike has opted for Cushlon 3.0 foam and a full-length Zoom Strobel in the Kobe 10 Protro.
The new setup is designed to provide greater responsiveness, better energy return, and a smoother ride on the court.
The outsole has also been redesigned using motion data from the Nike Sport Research Lab. The Kobe 10’s fundamental traction concept remains intact but has been further refined specifically for quick cuts, explosive jumps, and abrupt changes in direction.
The signature carbon fiber forefoot wing returns unchanged, providing additional lateral stability during dynamic movements. The hidden “Endure and Conquer” message has also been carried over.
The changes to the Kobe 10 Protro were developed based on extensive wear tests and feedback from athletes. Following the initial release, additional colorways featuring an Engineered Mesh upper are set to follow later this year. Nike has also announced Flyknit versions with ZoomX foam for 2027.
The Nike Kobe 10 Protro will release on August 23, 2026, in the Halo colorway and will be available at the following retailers: AFEW-Store and BSTN.
Photos via Nike
