Ethan Holland
Even with the anticipation of several exciting Kobe shoe releases, there is one design that sneaker enthusiasts would love to see again: The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee.” This particular sneaker holds a special place, not only because it is associated with the legendary Kobe Bryant, but also because it pays homage to Bruce Lee, the martial arts icon.
It’s important to note that the birth of the “Bruce Lee” theme began with the original Kobe 5 “Bruce Lee” in 2010. This version became incredibly popular among sneaker enthusiasts, and to celebrate its success a decade later, Nike released the Protro version. The Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” stays true to its original form with its eye-catching yellow and black color palette, reminiscent of Bruce Lee’s iconic jumpsuit from “Game of Death.” The four red stripes on the forefoot also reference the scars Lee’s character sustained in the climactic battle in “Enter the Dragon.” Additionally, the sneaker features the classic Mamba logo on the tongue and Kobe’s red signature on the heel for a personalized touch. Modern technology, such as Zoom Air cushioning and a Flywire upper, provide enhanced comfort and support for athletes and casual wearers alike.
While it is still possible to find this stylish shoe on the aftermarket for a more reasonable price, around $300 USD on platforms like StockX, many would appreciate seeing Nike reintroduce this color scheme in their upcoming Kobe editions. The idea is to reimagine this iconic colorway, whether it’s on a different silhouette or with new materials, to bring a fresh and innovative touch to the beloved “Bruce Lee” design. Nike has successfully done this with other beloved Kobe colorways, and it would be exciting to see them take on this challenge once again.
The popularity and demand for the “Bruce Lee” design remain strong, partially due to its origins as a tribute to both Kobe and his idol, Bruce Lee. Kobe not only enjoyed watching Bruce Lee’s films but also incorporated his philosophy and martial arts techniques into his training routine. This makes the “Bruce Lee” colorway a sentimental choice for many.
Back in August 2023, rumors circulated of a potential release of a white Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” sneaker, which was seen on Bobby Portis Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks. If these were to be released, they would certainly be highly sought after. The leaked photographs show the sneakers primarily in a pristine white color, with a black and red Swoosh, subtle hints of yellow on the heel, and Lee’s signature slash marks on the front. While no official plans have been announced, there is optimism that Nike may revive this iconic colorway in a new and exciting way for future Mamba releases.
Keep an eye out for updates on whether we will see another “Bruce Lee” design from Nike and Kobe. And as always, stay tuned for more trips down sneaker memory lane.
