Jalen Brunson’s Nike Kobe 5 “NY vs. NY” Won’t Stay a PE, Releases Summer 2026

Jalen Brunson’s postseason sneaker run is getting a proper release, with the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “NY vs. NY” expected to hit shelves later this summer.

The pair first appeared on Brunson’s feet during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Knicks erased a 22-point deficit in one of the most memorable moments of their playoff run. At the time, the colorway had all the makings of another Brunson-exclusive Kobe PE — the kind of pair that lights up sneaker pages for a night before disappearing back into a player’s personal rotation. Instead, Nike Basketball is bringing the look to the public as part of its annual “NY vs. NY” series.

The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “NY vs. NY” arrives in a bright mint green base, immediately calling to mind the Statue of Liberty while keeping a strong summertime feel. Blue Swooshes, orange accents, and multicolor splatter-style detailing across the forefoot and heel bring in more New York energy, with the palette sitting somewhere between city pride, blacktop basketball, and Knicks-adjacent storytelling.

That connection to New York’s outdoor hoops scene is key. Nike’s “NY vs. NY” program has long celebrated the city’s summer basketball culture, from legendary parks to the players who carry that energy into bigger stages. Brunson wearing the pair during a defining Knicks playoff moment only adds another layer to the release, especially given how closely his rise has become tied to the city’s current basketball revival.

Underneath the story, the model remains the Kobe 5 Protro, one of the most beloved low-cut Kobe silhouettes in the line. Its sharp profile, lightweight build, and aggressive paneling give the colorful execution plenty of space to stand out without losing the shoe’s performance identity.

The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “NY vs. NY” is expected to release later this summer via Nike.com and select retailers. Official release details should be announced soon.

For more sneaker news, check out the latest Adidas Originals offerings.