Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game against the Raptors remains one of basketball’s most jaw-dropping performances. That legacy returns in sneaker form this January 2026.
Nike will reintroduce the Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” on January 22, 2026, marking the exact 20th anniversary of that historic night. First released as a PE in 2007 through the Why81? campaign, the shoe resurfaced in 2019 with updated tech. Now, it’s back once more for fans of Kobe’s relentless scoring ability.

This version features the signature Lakers mix of White, Black, and Court Purple. The upper uses premium leather, while Zoom Air cushioning and a carbon fiber shank deliver game-ready performance. Inside the shoe, the insole pays homage to four cities—Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, and Denver—each tied to Kobe’s scoring sprees.
Nike Kobe 1 81 Points 2026 Release Date
The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” will release on January 22, 2026 at select Nike Basketball retailers and Nike.com. The retail price tag is set at $210 USD.
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Color: White/Black-Court Purple
Style Code: IM0542-100
Release Date: January 22, 2026
Price: $210
UPDATE 7/16/25: The Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” is officially scheduled to release on January 22, 2026—exactly 20 years after Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors. This anniversary edition will retail for $210 USD
Source: brandon1an
(2019 release below)