The Kobe line is entering a new chapter in 2027! Nike teased the Nike Kobe NXT, a new performance basketball series connected directly to Kobe Bryant’s design legacy. The upcoming models will launch next year, with the Kobe NXT Prototype positioned as the premium option and the Kobe NXT 1.0 offering a more accessible price point. Let’s dive into it all to find out what the lineup is all about, and which will be the pair you should go for!
What Is the Nike Kobe NXT?
The NXT name has been part of Kobe’s signature footwear history for years. The original Nike Kobe A.D. NXT launched in 2017, following Kobe Bryant’s retirement from the NBA. Designed by Eric Avar, it introduced a radically different construction with a Flyknit upper, integrated lacing system, and a drop in midsole combining cushioning foam with Zoom Air. It released globally on April 2017, for $200.
And now, the new Nike Kobe NXT takes that experimental spirit into a new generation. According to Nike Basketball leadership, the upcoming shoes are based on an unfinished design that Bryant worked on with Nike before his death in 2020.
So, What Are the New Silhouettes?
Nike Kobe NXT Prototype
The headline model is the Kobe NXT Prototype. This is gonna be a high performance basketball shoe with an unusually advanced technology package. Early info points to a cloth upper, ZoomX 3.0 drop in midsole, Synergia midfoot shank plate, carbon fiber plate… and a $410 retail price tag! The outsole was previewed during the 2026 Mamba Invitational through artist TYP’s “Sole Obsession” artwork. Other than that, we don’t know much about the kicks yet!
Kobe NXT 1.0
Alongside the Prototype, Nike is expected to introduce the Kobe NXT 1.0. This silhouette will allegedly serve as the more accessible model in the new NXT lineup. You see, it’s gonna retail for $210 which is nearly half the price tag of the Prototype NXT. Both models are currently expected to launch in Summer 2027, although Nike has yet to announce official release dates.
How NSB Can Help You on Drop Day!
When the Nike Kobe NXT eventually hits Nike SNKRS and retailers, demand will be serious. So, if you wanna have some advantage on drop day, NSB is here for you! It can help you prepare for the drop by automating the checkout process and giving you a better shot at securing your size when the kicks go live. Once Nike confirms the exact launch details, sneakerheads should have their setup ready before release day. So, get your key today, and you’re ready to cook. Godspeed!
