The Nike Kobe AD Protro "Purple Stardust" is officially returning this fall for $155. It's releasing through Nike, Foot Locker, DSG, and Hibbett.
This marks the first time a Kobe AD has ever received the Protro treatment. The original colorway released back in 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite within the line. Bringing it back now gives collectors a modern update on a shoe many missed the first time around.
Rich purple suede covers most of the upper, giving the pair a bold, monochromatic look. Black detailing hits the Swoosh and outsole, adding contrast against the deep purple base. A DNA strand graphic is on the heel, a nod to Kobe's competitive mindset and drive.
The Kobe AD often gets overlooked compared to Kobe's numbered signature shoes, but it still carries real significance. This release will help the model finally get some of the recognition it deserves.
As a Protro release, the shoe also brings updated performance features. A Zoom Air unit sits in the heel for added responsiveness. It's paired with a new outsole pattern built for quick cuts and sharp changes of direction on the court.
Nike Kobe AD Protro “Purple Stardust”
The Kobe AD line launched in 2016, right as Kobe stepped away from the NBA. Nike used the model to carry his performance philosophy into a new chapter, separate from his numbered signature shoes.
"Purple Stardust" leans directly into that Lakers connection. Also the deep purple tone reflects the franchise's signature color, tying the shoe back to Kobe's two decades in Los Angeles.
Supply is expected to be limited compared to other general Nike Basketball releases. That scarcity, paired with the shoe's connection to Kobe's post-playing career, should keep demand high once it drops.
With Protro releases continuing to expand across nearly every Kobe silhouette, "Purple Stardust" fills one of the last major gaps in the lineup. Overall for longtime fans, this is a colorway that's been a long time coming.
