John Kim Vanessa Bryant has once again offered Kobe fans an exciting glimpse into the future of Kobe Brand. The Black Mamba’s widow took to Instagram Stories to reveal a wave of never-before-seen colorways spanning the Kobe 5, Kobe 6, and Kobe 9; the preview includes what appear to be future retail releases alongside several Player Exclusives, continuing her hands-on role in preserving and evolving Kobe Bryant’s footwear legacy. From heartfelt tributes to Kobe’s personal story to bold new lifestyle-inspired designs, here’s a closer look at everything that surfaced.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Philadelphia Eagles”
Kobe Bryant’s love for the Philadelphia Eagles has inspired one of the collection’s biggest surprises. Dressed in white, green, and black, the Kobe 5 Protro features a ripstop nylon tongue and a chenille varsity-style Swoosh, giving the sneaker a premium, letterman jacket-inspired finish. The colorway also carries added significance, as one of the final public images of Kobe before his passing showed him and Gianna courtside at a Lakers game while wearing an Eagles hoodie—a fitting tribute to the NFL team he passionately supported throughout his life.
Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Polka Dot Pack”
Perhaps the biggest surprise of Vanessa Bryant’s reveal is this duo of Kobe 6 Protro colorways featuring oversized polka dot graphics. One pair arrives in white with contrasting red dots, while the other flips the palette with a bold red upper covered in white circles. Unlike many Kobe releases that carry obvious references to milestones, cities, or personal moments, the inspiration behind these designs remains a mystery. Whether they’re destined for retail or simply represent Player Exclusives has yet to be confirmed, but they’re certainly among the most unexpected Kobe 6 colorways to surface in recent memory.
Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Bellisima”
The Kobe 6 Protro “Bellissima” ostensibly draws inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s lifelong connection to Italy, where he spent much of his childhood while his father played professionally. Translating its Italian namesake—meaning “most beautiful”—into footwear, the design features a floral upper accented by embroidered blossoms that extend beyond the shoe’s surface, creating a dimensional effect unlike any previous Kobe 6. A stitched pink Swoosh adds another premium touch, while crisp white midsoles and gum rubber outsoles complete one of the more refined executions to emerge from Kobe Brand.
Nike Kobe 9 EM “California Mountain Snake”
No Kobe footwear collection feels complete without a nod to the Black Mamba. This Kobe 9 EM Low Protro draws inspiration from the California mountain snake, dressing the engineered mesh upper in a striking scale-like pattern of reddish orange, black, and light tan that closely resembles the reptile’s natural markings. The serpentine theme has been a recurring pillar of Kobe footwear dating back to his earliest signature models, making this one of the collection’s most fitting tributes to the “Black Mamba” persona.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Dusty Pink”
Vanessa Bryant also unveiled a new Kobe 9 Elite Low dressed in an understated “Dusty Pink” colorway. The Flyknit upper is rendered entirely in muted pastel pinks, extending seamlessly into the matching midsole for a clean monochromatic presentation. Underfoot, a gum rubber outsole adds subtle contrast while maintaining the shoe’s lifestyle-friendly aesthetic.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite High Protro
The Kobe 9 Elite High also returns in an eye-catching new colorway that pairs a vibrant red Flyknit upper with metallic gold overlays, creating one of the silhouette’s most luxurious looks to date. Breaking up the warm-toned palette is a turquoise Swoosh, whose cool contrast adds another layer of visual intrigue.
