Kobe A.D. Protro Returns in a Clean Cool Grey

The Kobe line keeps finding ways back into the rotation, and this time it’s the Kobe A.D. Protro in Cool Grey. Originally released in 2016, the A.D. was the first Kobe signature to arrive after his retirement, built as a performance shoe for the next generation of guards. Now it’s been Protro’d, which in Nike language means retooled with modern tech and attitude.

The rebuild is real, not just a reissue. A puck-shaped ZoomX foam pod sits in the forefoot, paired with a React midsole underneath. That combination is a genuine upgrade over the original’s setup, springier on that first step and softer on landings. The forefoot got widened for a more comfortable fit, and the upper uses lightweight materials with an elite herringbone traction pattern underneath. Everything about it is aimed at players who plant, cut and attack all game.

Colorwise, Cool Grey does what Cool Grey always does. It makes a loud performance silhouette feel wearable everywhere. Grey covers the knit and overlay panels, black handles the Swoosh and collar details, and white keeps the midsole clean. Simple, and for a hoop shoe that might actually see the court, smart. Scuffs and dust just blend in.

These release November 22 for $155 through Nike. Protro releases have a way of disappearing fast, and the grey colorway has a habit of being the one everyone claims they slept on later. If you hooped in the original A.D., this version is a straight upgrade. If you never tried it, this is a pretty forgiving place to start.