Kobe Bryant’s FC Barcelona-branded Nike Air Force 1 Low Protro isn’t the only upcoming sneaker from the sportswear brand with ties to both the late NBA legend and the Spanish football club.
New images have surfaced via an eBay listing revealing a FC Barcelona x Nike Kobe 4 Protro which is slated to arrive at retailers this month. Unlike the predominantly purple look of the Air Force 1, Kobe’s fourth signature sneaker is colored with a Team Gold/Black/Persian Violet combination.
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The buttery Team Gold shade covers the majority of the Kobe 4 Protro’s upper, which also features added snakeskin-printed overlays on the toe and heel collar. On the midsole, Persian Violet fades into Team Gold at the rear. The club’s Barça crest is abound, appearing on the shoe’s dubrae badge, on the insole and behind the tongue.
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Bryant was a well-documented soccer fan, and his interest in the sport helped influence the low-top design of the Kobe 4 which had an impact on basketball sneaker design that can be seen to this day. Growing up an AC Milan fan, he later leaned towards FC Barcelona thanks to his close friendships with Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.
Along with the Kobe 4 Protro and Air Force 1 Low Protro sneakers, the FC Barcelona link-up is expected to include apparel and a Kobe-branded soccer kit.
Bryant’s signature line has been in headlines quite a bit lately, with Caitlin Clark’s Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE quickly selling out in June. The Indiana Fever star is expected to receive another PE release on the Nike Kobe 6 Protro in Light Armory Blue. And on July 18, the WNBA-inspired Total Orange Kobe 6 Protro will be released.
As for this latest FC Barcelona x Nike Kobe 4 Protro, it’s expected to be released on July 31 for a retail price of $190. The sneaker has a style code of IM2532-701.