Nike Kobe 1 Protro 81 Points Release Date

The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” releases January 22nd, 2026, twenty years to the day Kobe dropped 81 on the Toronto Raptors in a home win in Los Angeles. Pairs will be available via the Nike SNKRS app as well as retailers like Sneaker Politics, Takout NY, and more. Retail is set at $210 USD. See our Where to Buy section for the full store list and keep scrolling to learn more about the lore behind these.

On January 22nd, 2006, Kobe Bryant put on the greatest scoring feat ever caught on television. The Black Mamba dropped 81 points on Jalen Rose, Chris Bosh, and the Toronto Raptors in a Lakers home win. He shot 60% from the field, went 7-for-13 from behind the arc, and 90% from the stripe. And in proper Kobe fashion, he had just two assists. No single game epitomizes the Mamba Mentality more.

On foot for the occasion was a white and purple PE version of the Nike Kobe 1. This preceded the wide release of the model (by way of the “All-Star” colorway) by about a month. In 2007, Nike finally dropped the Kobe 1 “81 Points” PE in limited quantities. The sneaker then returned in 2019 as part of the model’s first Protro run and is now back in celebration of the performance’s 20th anniversary.

Official Images + FAQ

When does the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” release?

The shoe drops via the Nike SNKRS app at 10:00 AM ET on Thursday, January 22nd. Multiple retailers will also have pairs in stock, with most holding raffles or draws.

How much do the shoes cost?

Retail is set at $210 USD.

How many times has the Nike Kobe 1 “81 Points” released?

The Nike Kobe 1 “81 Points” has released a total of three times. The first drop came in 2007 as a limited release of the PE worn by Bryant a year prior. The “81 Points” then returned in Protro form in 2019 as part of the model’s first Protro run. This 2026 edition marks the third release in honor of the 20th anniversary of Kobe’s unfathomable feat.

Will the sneaker sell out?

Most Kobe Bryant shoes sell out, and these should be no exception. The 2019 edition still goes for above retail on aftermarket platforms, for reference.

When did the Nike Kobe 1 come out?

The Nike Kobe 1 first released in 2006.

What’s the difference between the Protro and original Nike Kobe 1?

The Kobe 1 Protro updates the original’s under-the-hood setup, trading the split heel and forefoot Zoom Air units for a full-length Zoom Air configuration paired with a lighter midfoot shank. The result is a smoother, more responsive ride that stays visually faithful to the OG design.

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.