Quick Facts
- Alongside a matching Air Force 1 Low, the Nike Kobe 1 Protro City of Champions harkens back to the Lakers’ dynasty days in the 1980s, covering the upper in the same light blue color that sat between the white columns of The Forum’s exterior
- Weathered, cracked white paint is added on the toe, heel, and side panel Swoosh, revealing more blue underneath for a vintage look
- The Nike Kobe 1 Protro City of Champions will be released February 4, 2026
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Long before the Clippers opened the Intuit Dome and the Lakers turned over the iconic Staples Center name to the cryptocurrency industry, The Forum in Inglewood was the home for all things LA basketball, housing the Lakers from 1967 to 1999. Kobe started his Hall of Fame career at the Forum, and as Nike continues to celebrate the Black Mamba’s legendary life on and off the court, a new colorway of his Nike Kobe 1 Protro pays tribute to The Forum’s decades-long history.
Alongside a matching Air Force 1 Low, the Nike Kobe 1 Protro City of Champions harkens back to the Lakers’ dynasty days in the 1980s, covering the upper in the same light blue color that sat between the white columns of The Forum’s exterior. Weathered, cracked white paint is added on the toe, heel, and side panel Swoosh, revealing more blue underneath for a vintage look.
White leather is added to the tongue label behind a baby blue Kobe sheath logo, with more white added to the midsole and a translucent, clear outsole underneath that. A graphic of The Forum and “67-99” is added to the back of the tongue, with a map showing the city of Inglewood, where the building sits today, printed on the insoles.
The Nike Kobe 1 Protro City of Champions will be released February 4, 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $210. For all the latest Nike Kobe news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
