In 2018, Nike and Kobe Bryant released their first retro sneaker, the Kobe 1 Protro. The Mamba himself insisted that his sneakers be updated with modern performance tech, and the Protro line was born. The Kobe 1 returns next year, with a :Work Blue” color in Spring.
Before Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing in January 2020, the legendary Lakers star got to see his signature Nike sneakers get their first retro release. The Kobe 1, originally released in 2006, made its return in 2018, though not in the same way that LeBron and Jordan shoes have 1-to-1 retros. Instead, Kobe insisted that his older models be remade with performance in mind, updating 10+ year old models for the modern day. This decision created the Protro format, which Nike still uses to this day.
2018 saw a wave of special releases of the Kobe 1 Protro, including a handful of collaborations with Undefeated. After Kobe’s untimely passing, the model was shelved, but is now expected to return in 2026. Alongside some classic colorways and Lakers-themed releases, Nike has new styles in the works to herald the model’s return. This week, SneakerFiles shared info regarding a new “Work Blue” style, which will likely imitate the washed blue tones of well-worn workwear. The look is accented by plain white and metallic gold hues.
NIKE KOBE 1 PROTRO “WORK BLUE” RELEASE INFORMATION
Nike’s new releases of the Kobe 1 Protro have not been announced yet, and the “Work Blue” style seen above is not expected to arrive until sometime in Spring 2026. Pairing the light blue shade with white and gold accents, pairs will likely be available from both Nike and select retailers. The shoes are expected to come with a price tag around $200.
Nike Kobe 1 Protro “Work Blue”
Color: Work Blue/Summit White-Metallic Gold
Style Code: IM0541-400
Release Date: Spring 2026
Check out the mockup above, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.