Kobe 3 Protro: How Nike retooled an icon with modern-day technology

The drop of the Kobe 3 Protro doesn't just nod to Kobe's legendary history, it's the reintroduction of a performance basketball shoe built for today's game. Designed with modern athletes in mind, the Kobe 3 Protro offers the total package: comfort, traction, breathability and bounce in a sleek and clean all-white colourway with a diamond traction pattern that honours Kobe's oldest daughter's middle name, Diamanté.

Whether you're grinding in the gym, playing weekend tournaments or just looking for an elite on-court feel, the Kobe 3 Protro delivers. This refreshed edition of the shoe that Kobe wore during his 2007–08 MVP season is all about function-first innovation that doesn't sacrifice on the design.

This is not just a shoe to look at and admire. It's one you wear hard. The Kobe 3 Protro features upgraded tech to support athletes who move with speed, precision and control. If you play fast and demand responsiveness, this model has you covered with full-length Zoom strobel cushioning and a redesigned midsole. The full-length cushioning is an upgrade from two smaller Zoom airbags to full-length Zoom.

"You're going to feel the bounce immediately", said Hailey Dunham, Basketball Footwear Product Testing Analyst at Nike. "Athletes told us they wanted more underfoot comfort, so we made it softer and more responsive than the original Kobe 3. That combination really hits".

The upper—visually inspired by a basketball net—isn't just for looks. Backed with mesh, it offers containment and airflow, locking your foot in place while letting it breathe. The upgraded tread helps players make directional cuts, hard stops and explosive takeoffs with the kind of confidence the Black Mamba was famous for.

"It's the first time we've overhauled the outsole, midsole and upper together in a Protro", added Jeni Takekawa McDonald, Kobe Footwear Product Director at Nike. "We listened to wear-test feedback and made real updates".

Nike designers ran five rounds of testing on the Kobe 3 Protro, a rigorous process that reflects the relentless principles of Kobe's Mamba Mentality. Both male and female athletes were involved to bring balanced input across a wide range of playing styles. The results were eye-opening.

"We tested the OG against our Protro sample, and 12 out of 15 testers preferred the Protro", Dunham said. "That's when we knew we had something special".

For hoopers accustomed to low-tops, the Protro 3's mid-height cut represents a shift, but it's one worth trying. "You'd be surprised how many players said they felt more secure and still mobile", said Dunham. "Even athletes used to lows adapted quickly and appreciated the support".

Technical features you'll love


• Full-length Zoom strobel: Maximum energy return and court feel
• Cushlon 3.0 midsole: Lightweight support that doesn't compromise bounce
• TPU upper with mesh backing: Secure lockdown and enhanced breathability
• Diamond traction pattern: Improved grip and multidirectional control
• Mid-cut profile: Balanced ankle support without sacrificing mobility



This shoe is for serious hoopers who need dependable gear. The Kobe 3 Protro's real differentiator is performance under pressure. Whether you're in the backcourt making quick cuts or a forward needing support on landings and pivots, the Kobe 3 Protro is a match for ballers logging big minutes.

The tools are here. The standard is high. Now it's your move.