Twenty years of legend, re-engineered for today. The Nike Kobe 1 Protro "81 Points" returns to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kobe Bryant's historic 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors—the second-highest scoring game in NBA history.

Design & Inspiration

On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant wearing his then-unreleased first Nike signature shoe delivered one of basketball's most electrifying performances: 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. The white, purple, and gold colorway on his feet became instantly legendary, cementing its place in sneaker lore. Originally released as a limited player exclusive in 2007 through Nike's "Why81?" campaign, the shoe remained largely unattainable until 2019 when Nike launched the Protro series. The Protro concept—Performance Retro—honors Bryant's vision to update his signature line's technology while maintaining original aesthetics, ensuring legendary designs remain playable for modern basketball.

The "White/Black/Court Purple" colorway channels the Lakers' iconic palette. White leather dominates the mid-top upper, creating a clean, aggressive foundation. The black signature Swoosh adds structural contrast, while black accents appear on the midsole and heel tab. Court Purple—the distinctive shade associated with Bryant's Lakers era—covers the Huarache-style padded collar, most of the midsole, and rubber outsole sections, creating immediate visual connection to Bryant's championship tenure. Yellow accents appear on the tongue branding featuring Kobe's shield logo, while "Uptempo" text runs across the heels. The 2026 edition may include commemorative details behind the tongue or on packaging to honor the 20th anniversary milestone.

Comfort & Performance

Built on Nike's Protro platform, the 2026 edition features updated technology beneath the original aesthetic. A smaller carbon fiber shank plate compared to the 2006 original provides stability without excessive weight. Full-length Zoom Air cushioning delivers smooth ride and continuous responsiveness for explosive movements, quick cuts, and high-velocity impact protection. Cushlon foam enhances comfort. A refreshed traction pattern on the purple and black rubber outsole ensures reliable court grip during intense play.

Release Information & Pricing

The Nike Kobe 1 Protro "81 Points" releases January 22, 2026—exactly 20 years after Bryant's legendary performance—through Nike SNKRS and select retailers. Men's sizing. A matching apparel collection and jersey will accompany the release. Retail price is $210 USD, €200, and £185.