The Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Orca” Releases On September 26th

A sleek revisitation.

Matt Varga September 14th, 2026 (updated)

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The opinions and information provided on this site are original editorial content of Sneaker News.

2988

UPDATE: September 14th, 2026: Official images of the Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Orca” have surfaced ahead of the scheduled September 26th release. Find these on SNKRS and select Nike Basketball retailers for $210.

1 of 10

WHERE TO BUY

Mens Nike Zoom Kobe 3 Protro "Orca"

SKU: IQ5340-001

RETAIL PRICE: $210

RELEASE DATE: Sep 26, 2026

US 09/26/2026 Saturday

Retailer	Release type	Status
Sneaker Politics	Standard	Coming Soon
Nike SNKRS	Standard	Coming Soon

Show All Releases

Get on the Where to Buy list

UPDATE: August 10th, 2026: A closer look at the upcoming Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Orca” was revealed at the Mamba Invitational over the weekend in Los Angeles. A release is expected this September for $190.

Kobe 3 Orca 2 — Nike Kobe 3 Protro” Orca” Kustoo

Simply put, the Kobe Brand roster is deeper than ever. Beloved and coveted silhouettes like the Kobe 5 and Kobe 6 Protro have by far made their impact on the modern landscape, now affording the opportunity for the Swoosh to delve into some underrated corners of the late legend’s legacy. In the past year, the Nike Kobe 3 has been a serious priority, offering some of the most tangible “newness” in the line with a retrofitted Low cut.

Just from a standpoint of sheer quantity, the original Mid has been less visible. That changes as we get a look at the Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Orca,” the first retro colorway in its history so far. Replicating the debut colorway from the shoe’s original run, it outfits the diamond-cut model primarily in jet black, though it carves out some room for contrast coloring on its Swoosh and for some gold trim down the midline.

1 of 3

Despite not receiving its Protro treatment until several years into the bring-back program, the Kobe 3 has remained in the consciousness as a cult classic. PJ Tucker, king of NBA heat, brought out a pair of “Orcas” during the 2024 campaign. Additionally, the silhouette was on the Mamba’s feet en route to an MVP trophy, All-NBA and All-Defense nods, and an appearance in the 2008 NBA Finals. Of course, the Lakers would fall short in that series, a setback that inspired the “Misery” Kobe 3 in the Prelude pack.

The Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Orca” is expected to release on September 26th, retailing for $210. Catch in-hand images below and watch our Sneaker Release Dates page for store-list info as the launch draws closer.

Nike Kobe 3 Protro Orca Iq5340 001 2 — @tmarkgotkickss

Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.