Nike’s Kobe 3 “Orca” Returns with Protro Upgrades in September

Nike revived the Kobe 3 last year, giving the high-top model a full Protro upgrade for the modern era. This Fall, the model’s stealthy “Orca” colorway is poised for a retro, expected in September. Nike’s relaunch of the Kobe line debuted in 2018, with the first retro of Bryant’s beloved signature shoes. At his insistence, […] The post Nike’s Kobe 3 “Orca” Returns with Protro Upgrades in September appeared first on JustFreshKicks.

Nike revived the Kobe 3 last year, giving the high-top model a full Protro upgrade for the modern era. This Fall, the model’s stealthy “Orca” colorway is poised for a retro, expected in September.

Nike’s relaunch of the Kobe line debuted in 2018, with the first retro of Bryant’s beloved signature shoes. At his insistence, nike retrofitted the models to still be wearable on modern basketball courts, replacing the tech inside with more advanced materials and cushioning, creating a new performance retro, or Protro, category. The Swoosh is still in the process of upgrading each of Kobe’s signature shoes from over the years, most recently unveiling their launch colorway of the tenth shoe, the Kobe X Protro. While we wait for that launch, today we got an early look at another pair of the Kobe 3, which returned to shelves last year. This pair dons the stealthy black and white “Orca” style, worn during the ’07 to ’08 season in which Bryant racked up an MVP award as well as All-NBA and All-Defensive accolades. The pair in question can be seen on Kobe’s feet during a 2008 game against the Portland Trailblazers, a loss in which Kobe led the Lakers with a 33-7-5 performance.

NIKE KOBE 3 PROTRO “ORCA” RELEASE INFORMATION

The next release of the upgraded Kobe 3 Protro from Nike is currently expected to release on September 26th, 2026, though this date has not been confirmed yet. Originally released during Bryant’s ’07-’08 NBA MVP season, the look comes entirely in black with a white Swoosh wrapping around the shoe’s heels. Pairs will be available through both Nike and select retailers for $210.

Nike Kobe 3 Protro “Orca”
Color: Black/Canyon Gold-Varsity Purple
Style Code: IQ5340-001
Release Date: September 26th, 2026
Price: $210

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