One of the most legendary performances in basketball history is set to be honored once again in sneaker form. The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” returns on January 22, 2026, marking exactly 20 years since Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, a night that cemented his place among the game’s all time greats.

Originally worn by Kobe during the 2005–06 NBA season, the Kobe 1 became synonymous with power, control, and relentless scoring. This Protro edition stays true to that legacy while benefiting from modern performance updates that align with Kobe’s vision of keeping his sneakers playable for today’s game.

The shoe arrives in its iconic White, Black, and Court Purple colorway, a direct nod to Kobe’s Lakers era. Premium leather constructs the upper, while Zoom Air cushioning and a carbon fiber shank plate provide the responsiveness and stability expected from a performance retro. Inside, the insoles pay tribute to four cities tied to Kobe’s scoring legacy: Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, and Denver. These subtle storytelling details elevate the release beyond nostalgia.

Last seen in 2019, the “81 Points” Kobe 1 Protro returns at a time when Nike Basketball continues to spotlight Kobe’s impact through carefully timed, legacy driven releases. With 2026 marking the 20th anniversary of that historic game, this drop stands as one of the most meaningful Kobe releases in recent memory.

The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” is scheduled to release January 22, 2026. Keep it locked to @artsandrecstore for updates on availability, in store details, and launch day coverage as we get closer to release.

January 21, 2026 — Josiah de Vera