A fresh chapter for the Kobe legacy
Nike is preparing to resurrect the ‘NXT’ line with the upcoming Kobe NXT Prototype, a shoe that was left unfinished at the time of the star’s passing and is now slated for release at a price of $410.
The launch will be accompanied by two new colorways of the Kobe 3 Low Protro, dubbed ‘Grinch’ and ‘Orca’, each priced at $190 and scheduled for drop in September and November 2026 respectively, featuring electric green and stadium green tones for the former and an all‑black silhouette with metallic cool grey accents for the latter.
Adding to the lineup, the Kobe AD Protro ‘Purple Stardust’ will make a comeback later this month, priced at $155, reviving a design that first appeared in 2017 after Bryant’s retirement.
These releases are positioned as tributes to Bryant’s legacy, blending advanced performance technology with design cues that echo his iconic on‑court aesthetics.
A preview event held during the 2026 Mamba Invitational showcased unreleased color schemes and gave fans a glimpse of Bryant’s next signature shoe concepts, heightening anticipation for the upcoming drops.
Separate from the footwear rollout, artist Troy Murray presented an installation that displayed the outsoles of the Kobe 1 through 11 and the AD models, using the artwork to hint at the unfinished projects that continue to inspire the brand.