While Kobe Bryant’s legacy is forever tied to the City of Angles and the five NBA Championships he helmed for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Lower Merion High School product simultaneously held a special connection to the Philadelphia area. Joining the recently announced return of the Kobe 8 Protro “Venice Beach”, the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Philly” from 2009 will also be released in Summer 2024.
Initially revealed by trusted sneaker sources zsneakerheadz and Sneaker Files, the USA-inspired palette marks the second installment of Bryant’s fourth signature silhouette since his estate and Nike announced the continuation of their partnership in March of 2022. 14 years later, the Flywire-assisted silhouette remits its circa ’09 color blocking to a tee.
“Varsity Royal” hues dominate a majority of the upper real estate, save the pops of “University Red” illuminating the collar lining, laces and trim of the crisp white profile swooshes. What’s more, further colorless accents ascertain the back half of the Zoom-cushioned sole unit. Elsewhere, reflective 3M stars share the same application as its OG counterpart at the collar in a lightened blue tint while Bryant’s “8-23-78” birthdate is inscribed along the insoles.
The Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Philly” is tentatively scheduled to release in Summer 2024 for a retail price of $180. Stay tuned for further release details, and in the meantime enjoy a preview of the upcoming pair.
Info via @zsneakerheadz / Sneaker Files