Nike’s “Blackout” Kobe X Gets a Protro Upgrade in 2027
What to know
ClosetKept AI- Kobe X Protro 'Blackout' releases January 2027 in purple and black colorway.
- Updated with modern Nike cushioning tech while maintaining original 2015 shape and materials.
- Retails for $190 at Nike and select retailers.
- Features clean mesh upper, taped overlays, streamlined midsole from original 2015 design.
- Protro line ensures shoes remain wearable on modern NBA courts per Kobe Bryant's requirement.
Nike is still working on bringing each of their Kobe sneakers back to the basketball court through the Protro line. Next year, the 2015 Kobe X will finally join the fleet, with the “Blackout” style arriving in January.
The return of Nike’s OG Kobe sneakers has been one of the best ongoing stories in sneakers for years now. The Protro line arrived initially in 2018, with classic colorways of the Kobe 1 reimagined by Undefeated. The decision to introduce “Protro” sneakers came directly from Bryant himself, insisting that any rerelease of his shoes should still be wearable on an NBA court in the modern day. Nike acquiesced, retrofitting the tech inside with their latest and greatest cushioning, while mainting the shoe’s original shape and materials, and a whole new avenue of ‘performance retros’ was born.
Years after Kobe’s tragic passing and the release of their first Protro shoe, Nike is still rolling out each of his signature models in the updated format. The Protro line has even extended beyond Bryant’s shoes, with his name and logo applied to an updated Air Force 1 that features full-length, drop-in ReactX midsoles. Next year, Nike is adding another fan-favorite model to their lineup, the Kobe X. Originally released in 2015 under their Elite Basketball banner, the tenth Kobe signature is perhaps the sleekest in his line, with a clean mesh upper, taped overlays, and a streamlined midsole. The model is set to arrive in January of 2027, with colorways like the purple “Blackout” style leading the way.
NIKE KOBE X PROTRO “BLACKOUT” RELEASE INFORMATION
Nike’s next silhouette to join their Kobe Protro lineup has not been officially announced yet, though the Kobe X is currently slated to make its debut next year, in January 2027. One of the model’s initial releases will be the “Blackout” colorway from 2015, a mix of purple hues with black accents for an overall dark look. Pairs will be available from both Nike and select retailers for $190.
Nike Kobe X Protro
Color: Black/Persian Violet/Volt/Black
Style Code: JA5484-500
Release Date: January 2027
Price: $190
Check out the images of the OG 2015 pair below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.
