Updated November 29th, 2025: Official images of the Jalen Brunson x Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Statue Of Liberty” have surfaced. Expect a release this December.
For the millions of New Yorkers who religiously follow the Knicks (including us die-hards at the Sneaker News office), the Jalen Brunson Kobe 6 is an absolute must. Despite residing in the basketball and arguably the sneaker capital of the world, the Knicks haven’t been part of the mainstream sneaker conversation for years. Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony were the last players in blue and orange with active signature lines, and those eras feel like lifetimes ago.
But even in a vacuum, the city’s love for its captain runs absurdly deep. Brunson is a huge reason the Knicks are relevant again, the player many hope will eventually sit among the franchise’s all-time greats, and the one fans dream could finally deliver a long-awaited championship. With that kind of momentum and adoration behind him, his first sneaker release is a huge moment for the Big Apple.
Jalen Brunson has gone on record saying he’d rather have an endless supply of Kobes than his own signature shoe. He’s since become the league’s de facto “Kobe guy” after taking the unofficial title from DeMar DeRozan, and his rotation backs it up. Brunson stays loyal to the 4 through 6, often lacing up pairs like the “Grinch” 6s and PEs like the Kobe 4 Protro “CHBL” and his own “What The” 5s inspired by his father Rick (the Knicks’ assistant coach).
His first sneaker release is a Nike Kobe 6 inspired by the Statue of Liberty, a safe yet still compelling theme for any New York athlete. The shoe sports an eye-catching teal exterior with tasteful copper hits on the Swooshes, Kobe sheaths, and heel clip. Just beautiful.
The Jalen Brunson Kobe 6 “Statue of Liberty” is currently set for a Holiday 2025 release for $190 USD. Jalen, if you’re reading this, your boy would greatly appreciate a size 11.
