Nike Kobe 1 basketball runners

Kobe 1 basketball shoes

Kobe Bryant joined Nike in 2003, shortly after his remarkable three-peat with the LA Lakers. In 2005, designer Ken Link began work on the first Kobe signature shoe, culminating in a successful 2006 release. In 2018, Nike celebrated the Kobe 1 with the launch of a new Protro edition that looks like the iconic original but features modern technological updates.

The Nike Kobe 1 is built around the sturdy Uptempo last, with a durable leather upper and a flexible yet supportive high-cut collar. Manoeuvrability is enhanced by a heel cutout that acts as a convenient pull loop for easy entry, and the padded internal sleeve provides a snug, comfortable fit and firm lockdown. The toes are protected by a forefoot overlay, and the triangular eyelets incorporate reinforcements for increased longevity. Meanwhile, rearfoot stability comes from the thin heel counter and the strong carbon-fibre wrap encompassing the midfoot and heel.

The sole of the Kobe 1 Protro incorporates modern cushioning for elite-level performance. A large Zoom Air unit reaches from the heel to the toes, providing continuous responsiveness along the length of the foot, with a refined Phylon foam carrier offering lightweight comfort. The original carbon-fibre midfoot shank has been reduced in both size and thickness to deliver better court feel and flexibility without compromising support, while the substantial forefoot outrigger and high, grooved sidewalls provide lateral stability. Durable rubber forms both the herringbone and diamond-shaped tread patterns, which deliver outstanding multidirectional traction, with multiple break points for flexibility. Lastly, the dual-density insole features perforations and extra padding in the heel and forefoot for enhanced comfort and shock-absorption.

Although the technology in the Nike Kobe 1 has been upgraded, its bold, retro aesthetic remains the same as the 2006 original. Swooshes appear across the design, from the sidewalls to the outsole, where a striking cutout reveals the carbon-fibre shank. Miniature logos subtly punctuate the lower lace loop and medial toe, Kobe’s blade-like ‘Sheath’ emblem decorates the tongue, and the word “Uptempo” is embossed onto the heel in reference to its performance last.

Kobe first showcased the original Kobe 1 in a stunning black, white and yellow colourway during the Lakers’ 2005 Christmas Day game against the Miami Heat. He went on to achieve great things in the silhouette, becoming NBA scoring champion in an incredible season that saw him make 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors just a few weeks before the shoe’s general release. Many classic colourways have been rereleased as Protro models since 2018, including the white, black and purple Lakers edition from that famous game, which returned to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026.

Kobe Bryant’s unrelenting push for excellence is evident in both the original Nike Kobe 1 and the upgraded Protro edition. Its innovative updates offer improved support without changing its iconic look, allowing it to be worn either as a classic sneaker or a piece of high-performance sporting equipment.