Kobe Bryant Almost Released This “Snakeskin” Kobe 1 Protro Before He Retired

Should Nike drop 'em now?

Andrew Rizzo January 28, 2026

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The greater Nike Basketball archive is rife with samples that never saw the light of day, uber-elusive grails and 1-of-1s priced only for the Fat Joes and DJ Khaleds of the world. Just as the Nike Kobe 1 has re-entered the mix through an “81 Points” Protro and upcoming “City Of Champions” edition, detailed pics of a pre-retirement looksee sample are reminding us of the Swoosh’s treasure trove once more.

Sneaker resellers @bnsk_nyc and @mrplug.nyc have gone live with a 1-of-1 Nike Kobe 1 Protro “Lux Snakeskin,” reportedly created in 2015 just prior to Kobe’s retirement. Premium black and gold snakeskin courses through the upper, complemented by black suede hits on the tongue, Swoosh, and toe. Underfoot we have a grey carbon fiber plate, black midsole, and golden yellow outsole.

If interested, the aforementioned sources are selling this 1-of-1 size 9 for $10,000 USD shipped. See detailed pics below.

: bnsk_nyc/IG mrplug.nyc/IG

: bnsk_nyc/IG mrplug.nyc/IG

: bnsk_nyc/IG mrplug.nyc/IG

: bnsk_nyc/IG mrplug.nyc/IG

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.