Kobe Bryant had already retired from the NBA when Nike introduced the Kobe AD on November 22, 2016. It was the first signature shoe released after his playing career ended, and now the original “Ruthless Precision” colorway is coming back ten years later. This time, the Nike Kobe AD Protro gets updated cushioning and other changes made for today’s game.

The shoe keeps much of its original design, including the dark grey and white midsoles that differ between the medial and lateral sides. Kobe had used mismatched designs before, most notably on the Kobe 8 “What The.” There’s also an iridescent finish on the heel cup, giving the back of the shoe a color-shifting look.

Nike made several changes to the performance setup without completely changing the shoe. ZoomX cushioning has been added to the forefoot, while Air Zoom handles the heel. The midfoot also gets a new shank for stability, along with revised traction and lighter materials.

Nike Kobe AD Protro Ruthless Precision Release Date

The Nike Kobe AD Protro “Ruthless Precision” will release in November 2026 through select retailers and Nike SNKRS for $155.

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