The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro “Fade To Black” will release on April 13, 2026. This pair marks the 10th anniversary of one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history and drops on the exact date it happened. The retail price is $200.
Quick Facts
Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro “Fade To Black”
Color: Black/Metallic Gold
Release Date: April 13, 2026
Style Code: IM4260-001
Price: $200
Where to Buy: SNKRS
More Info: Nike Release Dates
The “Fade To Black” Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro is officially stepping back into the spotlight. Originally released in 2016 as part of the larger “Fade To Black” collection, the Kobe 11 marked the final on-court model worn by Kobe Bryant during his farewell season. Now, the Protro version updates that release with modern performance tech while staying true to the original design.
The “Fade To Black” series was Nike Basketball’s tribute to Kobe’s 20-year career, with each sneaker gradually transitioning from lighter to darker tones. The Kobe 11 closed out the collection in a sleek Blacked-out look, symbolizing the end of an era. That same aesthetic returns, featuring a black Flyknit upper with subtle texture shifts and tonal detailing.
This Nike Kobe 11 features Blacked-out mesh with a matching black midsole, creating a clean, stealthy look that mirrors the original 2016 release. Gold accents carry the storytelling with a Metallic Swoosh that stands out on the side panels, while “4.13.16” runs vertically down the heel of the right shoe to mark the date of Bryant’s final game.
The left shoe features four embroidered lines honoring his Achilles recovery, a Gold XI logo sits on the insole, and subtle “XX” branding nods to the 20 seasons he played in the league. A commemorative card ships with the shoe, laying out the full story, while the Protro aspect of the silhouette brings drop-in React insoles for modern court performance.
More Nike Kobe 11 Releases
Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro Fade To Black 2026 Release Date
The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro “Fade To Black” will be released on April 13th, 2026, at select Nike Basketball retailers, including SNKRS. The retail price is $200. Once we have more details, we will update you. For now, scroll below for more photos for a closer look.
Bottom Line
The “Fade To Black” Nike Kobe 11 Elite is one of the most important Kobe releases Nike has put together in a long time. Ten years is a long time to wait, but the timing could not be more perfect. If you are a Kobe fan, a sneaker collector, or simply someone who appreciates when a brand gets a tribute release right, this pair belongs in your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the shoes are expected to be a limited release and only available at select Nike Basketball retailers.
Currently, the release is only confirmed in men’s sizing. Grade school and preschool sizing have not been announced at this time.