In the world of sneakers, few lines carry the emotional and performance weight of Nike's Kobe Bryant signature series. As we approach the holiday season of 2025, Nike is set to delight fans with the Nike Kobe 3 Protro 'Christmas', a fresh colorway that blends winter wonderland aesthetics with cutting-edge basketball technology. Official images surfaced on August 22, 2025, sparking buzz across sneaker communities, and this release promises to be a standout in the ongoing revival of Kobe's legacy footwear.
The original Nike Zoom Kobe 3 debuted in 2008 during Bryant's MVP season, known for its lightweight construction and aggressive traction that catered to quick cuts and explosive plays. However, the Protro (short for "Performance Retro") series takes these classics and infuses them with modern upgrades, ensuring they perform at today's elite levels without losing their iconic silhouette.
While the Kobe series has a storied history with holiday-themed releases—like the legendary Kobe 6 "Grinch" that became a cultural phenomenon—the Kobe 3 Protro 'Christmas' introduces a brand-new festive iteration.
Leaked back in February 2025, this colorway ditches traditional red-and-green palettes for a "Winter Wonderland" vibe, evoking crackling ice and snowy landscapes.
The official colorway is dubbed Royal Pulse/Chrome-White, featuring a translucent diamond-shaped TPU cage that gradients from a vibrant blue (Royal Pulse) toward the toe, mimicking frozen surfaces. A silver reflective badge adorns the tongue, adding a chrome sheen that catches the light like holiday ornaments. The toebox incorporates the iconic Sheath logo, further enhancing the icy motif with its textured, crackle-inspired design.
White accents on the midsole and outsole ground the look, while subtle iridescent details on the Swoosh and branding elevate the premium feel.
This design not only pays homage to the holiday season but also aligns with Kobe's ethos of standing out under pressure. Sneaker enthusiasts have already dubbed it "very icy," with early reactions on social media highlighting its clean, versatile appeal for both gameplay and casual wear.
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Unlike some bolder Christmas editions, this one offers a sophisticated twist, making it a potential staple in collectors' rotations.
The Nike Kobe 3 Protro 'Christmas' is slated for a Holiday 2025 drop, with rumors pointing to a possible November 15 release date, though Nike has yet to confirm specifics.
It will retail for around $210 to $240, consistent with other Protro models.
