As 2021 approaches, more rumors of the late Kobe Bryant‘s sixth signature NIKE, Inc. sneaker being reissued continue to emerge. Yet, the Swoosh is giving basketball, Bryant and sneaker enthusiasts two things to look forward to a lot sooner: The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” and its alternate version.
First teased back in spring, the “Del Sol” and “Comet Red”-accented pairs were inspired by outfits worn by one of the most recognizable martial artists of the last 50 years. Bryant wasn’t shy about expressing his admiration for individuals who ostensibly tapped into a certain frequency within them to put forth effort of the utmost degree, and Bruce Lee was one of those figures. (The rich yellow pair nods to the jumpsuit worn by the actor in “The Game of Death” (1978), while the “White” alternative may draw inspired from Lee’s wardrobe in “Enter the Dragon” (1973).) While not direct flips of each other, the forthcoming Protros feature some identical accents, namely the four slashes at the lateral quarter panel. Toe boxes and midfoot areas don a glossy finish, which is also applied to parts of the tongue and heel. Sole units bring their uppers’ respective palettes underfoot, with contrast denoting Zoom Air cushioning placement. Carbon fiber shanks and Nike Kobe logos round out the outsole.
Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro "Bruce Lee"Release Date: Nov 24th, 2020
Color: Del Sol/ Metallic Silver/Comet Red/Black
Mens: $180
Style Code: CD4991-700
Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro "Bruce Lee Alt"Release Date: Nov 24th, 2020
Color: White/Black/Comet Red/White
Mens: $180
Style Code: CD4991-101