With nothing but championships on the mind of Laker fans after LA took home its 17th overall title on Sunday night, Nike is ready to launch the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “5 Rings” – a tribute to Kobe Bryant’s accumulation of Finals victories. Originally releasing in the Summer of 2010, this special colorway infuses the classic Laker concord purple and gold with a laser-etched mosaic detailing the endless accomplishments of the Black Mamba’s career. Returning in Protro form (a Retro with updated performance aspects fit for today’s standards), this release is sure to sell out immediately once it becomes available at 10am ET at the retailers below.
Mens Jordan 2020 has tapped long-time collaborators of UNDEFEATED on a few Kobe 5 Protro colorways, two of which were inspired by his 1996 draft day that launched for “Mamba Week”, in addition to a third entry that encapsulates his future Hall of Fame title. The latter, after being teased in early August, has just unveiled itself by way of official imagery which confirms that an official release could be just around the corner. These come crafted with a healthy dosage of Lakers-inspired hues as a majority of its upper which consists of mesh toe boxes/side paneling and scaly throat overlays stand out with a “Metallic Gold” finish, while the sock liners and outsoles color-block with muted purples. Swooshes alternate between purple and crimson red on each foot, the lateral sides of which host “24 10 8” notations to pay homage to Bean’s uniform numbers on the Lakers and Team USA. Furthermore, the right shoe dons the Mamba logo on the tongue, a text-heavy insole that lists out Bean’s accolades, and the UNDEFEATED logo on the heel, while the left shoe deviates with five-strike-adorned tongue, and the remixed “AIR” logo stamped to the footbed and rear.
Over the last four decades, the Nike Air Force 1 has transitioned from an option for the hardwood to a cultural icon. Although its Bruce Kilgore-produced design has undoubtedly assisted it in turning into a lifestyle staple, so have the sneaker’s countless color arrangements.New Jordan Soon joining the model’s storied catalog is a “White/Royal” colorway that features the rich blue hue throughout the iconic sole unit. As with previous iterations, in particular those that’ve landed on the Air Force 1 High, the forthcoming pair sets the stage for its stark contrasting accents with “White” leather. Branding on the tongue, profile swooshes and heel overlays all indulge in the eye-catching “Royal” tone that’s important to NIKE, Inc.’s basketball history. Underfoot, the low-top silhouette boasts a solid blue sole unit that harkens back to a different era in sneakers (i.e. 2004 when Rasheed Wallace was still playing), while also delivering a refreshing take in today’s landscape.
