"Nike is once again paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, continuing to honor his enduring impact on basketball and culture. As the brand expands the Kobe Protro line, the upcoming Kobe 3 Protro "Orca" reintroduces a beloved classic first seen in 2008. The monochromatic colorway, simple yet deeply symbolic, reflects both the sharp precision of Bryant's play and the timeless restraint that defined his design philosophy."
"The original Kobe 3 "Orca" debuted at a pivotal point in Kobe Bryant's career. In 2008, he was redefining what it meant to be a complete player-balancing athletic dominance with strategic brilliance. His third signature model captured that mindset through technical innovation and minimal design. The "Orca" colorway, named for its resemblance to the black-and-white killer whale, quickly became a fan favorite for its striking simplicity and fluid execution."
"Now, nearly two decades later, Nike is revisiting the design as part of its growing Protro (Performance + Retro) initiative-a series that updates classic Kobe silhouettes with modern performance tech. The 2026 version of the Kobe 3 Protro "Orca" retains the visual identity that made the original iconic while refining the details to meet contemporary standards of comfort, responsiveness, and durability."
Nike is reviving the Kobe 3 Protro "Orca", reintroducing a monochromatic classic that symbolizes Kobe Bryant's precision and restrained design philosophy. The original "Orca" debuted in 2008 during a pivotal period in Bryant's career and became a fan favorite for its striking simplicity and fluid execution. The Protro initiative updates classic Kobe silhouettes with modern performance technology, and the 2026 Kobe 3 Protro "Orca" retains the original's visual identity while refining comfort, responsiveness, and durability. Nike plans a Fall 2026 release with retail pricing set at $210 USD. The design emphasizes subtle power through monochrome restraint and technical refinement.
Read at stupidDOPE | Est. 2008
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