2019 NBA All-Star Weekend: Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Protro ‘Draft Day’ Among Big Releases

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read


With the 2019 NBA All-Star Game being hosted by Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets, Nike and Jordan Brand have stocked All-Star Weekend with a slew of releases. The retro Air Jordan 6 OG “Black Infrared” and Nike Adapt BB are the headliners, but also slated to release is the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Day.”

Whereas the Jordan 6 is releasing in an ode to its namesake unveiling the pair during the 1991 All-Star Game in Charlotte, the Kobe 4 pays homage to the Hornets drafting Bryant before the fateful trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.

As such, the white upper features a Hornets’ color scheme with teal and purple accenting the shoe, and a honeycomb design on the insole. To cement the “Draft Day” theme, 6.26.96 lines the heel to commemorate the date the Hornets selected Bryant with the 13th overall pick.

Originally released in 2009, the Nike Zoom Kobe IV revolutionized the way players approached and thought about footwear. The original model was comprised of LunarLite foam in the forefoot, a Zoom Air unit in the heel and a full-length Phylon midsole. The Protro version encompasses a full-length Zoom Air cushioning setup.

The Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Day” releases Friday, Feb. 15, on SNKRS North America, Nike.com and at select global retailers. The Protro release is the first for Bryant’s fourth signature shoe.

Nike has already released several versions of a Kobe 1 Protro.

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com