Nike Basketball's Kobe A.D. "Purple Stardust" to Get the Protro-Treatment

The Nike Kobe signature line kicked off in 2006, but it remains relevant 20 years later. Over the last handful of years, beloved silhouettes from the partnership have gotten Performance Retros (Protro), an initiative informed by the late Kobe Bryant's desire to keep his footwear ready for the modern game.

Designs like the Kobe 6 have enjoyed their fair share of these modified reissues and have been celebrated by dedicated hoopers and non-athletes alike. Moving forward, Nike Basketball is prepared to spread some attention to less-heralded models like the Kobe A.D., a performance style that launched after the five-time NBA Champion retired from the NBA.

According to Sneaker Market, the first Kobe A.D. relaunch to hit market will be the "Purple Stardust/Black" option first seen in July 2017. No details have been confirmed as to what exactly will be changed on the reissue, but it's likely tweaks to the traction's rubber compound will be amongst them.

Enjoy official photos of the original "Purple Stardust" Kobe A.D. ahead. Pairs of the Protro version should land to Nike.com by October.

For more performance footwear from the Swoosh, check out the ultra-cushioned Vomero Premium running shoe.