The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” will be released on January 22, 2026. This marks the third time the pair has launched and the second time as a general release. What’s special about the launch is that it celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game. The retail price is $210.
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Nike Basketball and Kobe Bryant will have a strong lineup of releases in 2026, including multiple original colorways returning. One of those is the “81 Point Game” Kobe 1 Protro. The 2026 release will celebrate the 20th Anniversary when Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
Kobe Bryant’s Historic 81-Point Game
On January 22nd, 2006, the Los Angeles Lakers played against the Toronto Raptors in a game that would become legendary. Kobe Bryant scored 81 points, the second-most in NBA history, second to Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 points in 1962. Bryant’s primary defender, Jalen Rose, couldn’t stop him. You can’t put all the blame on Rose, as Morris Peterson, Jose Calderon, and Mike James were tasked with guarding Kobe. With the help of Bryant, the Lakers would beat the Raptors, 122 to 104. Bryant would also grab 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, with only 3 turnovers. He scored 81 points in his first signature shoe with Nike, the Zoom Kobe 1. This pair is dressed in White, Black, and Purple, which is now known as “81 Points.”
Nike Kobe 1 81 Points History
The Nike Zoom Kobe 1 was originally released in February 2006. However, Bryant would wear the model before the launch. The “81 Point” iteration was launched as a PE in 2007, part of the “Why81?” contest by Nike Basketball, and celebrated the one-year anniversary of the iconic game. Nike held a four-hour scavenger hunt, with 80 participants able to purchase the shoe at the final event. The 81st pair was signed by Kobe Bryant and auctioned off.
The first global release of the “81 Points” Kobe 1 will be in the Protro forum in 2019. Nike ensured this pair was close to the original, except for upgraded technology.
This Nike Kobe 1 Protro is dressed in a White, Black, and Court Purple color combination. The upper is highlighted with White leather, modified Zoom Air, and a carbon fiber shank plate. In addition, we have Purple on the ankle and most of the midsole. Yellow accents appear on the tongue branding with Kobe’s shield logo, while “Uptempo” runs across the heels. A Purple and Black rubber outsole completes the design.
Nike Kobe 1 Protro 81 Points 2026 Release Date
The Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points” will be released on January 22nd, 2026, at select Nike Basketball retailers and online via Nike.com. The retail price is $210. Once we have more details, we will update you. For now, scroll below for more photos of the 2019 pair.
Releasing in Spring 2026, the “81 Points” Nike Kobe 1 Protro honors the 20th Anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point game. Marking its third launch and second general release, this iconic sneaker is a must-have for Kobe fans and basketball collectors.
Visit our Nike Release Dates page for more upcoming drops from the brand.
Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Points”
Color: White/Black-Court Purple
Release Date: January 22, 2026
Style Code: IM0542-100
Price: $210
Where to Buy
Update (7/17/25): The “81 Points” Kobe 1 Protro will return on January 22nd, 2026. The release date celebrates the 20th Anniversary when Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points against the Raptors. Via brandon1an.
The news is in collaboration with zsneakerheadz.
Frequently Asked Questions
The “81 Points” Kobe 1 Protro will be released on January 22, 2026.
2007.
The retail price is $210.