Nike Confirms Updated Kobe Bryant Retros

The Nike Kobe 1 Protro releases on NBA All-Star Weekend.

Nike Kobe 1 Protro side Profile
Nike

Image via Nike

Nike Kobe 1 Protro side Profile

Kobe Bryant doesn't want you to call the return of the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 a "retro." The re-release of his first signature sneaker, which Bryant teased earlier this week, has an official release date of February 17, and is dubbed the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro.

“Protro is about evolution and improving on things that were,” Bryant said through written statement. “I wanted to build a business that wasn’t just based on things I have done in the past. It is important that the brand stands for performance and that everything we do is innovative, even if we are releasing shoes from the past they still must be built on performance.”

Although it may look exactly the same as the original, the technology has been updated for 2018 standards. It features an updated version of Zoom Air cushioning and the carbon fiber shank found in the 2005 version has been modified. The sneaker will release on NBA All-Star Weekend at nike.com and select Nike retailers.

Nike Kobe 1 Protro Heel
Nike Kobe 1 Protro Side
Nike Kobe 1 Protro