Nike announced the release of a new sneaker collaboration with WNBA star Caitlin Clark on Sunday, introducing the Kobe 5 Protro Player Edition (PE). This highly anticipated shoe will be available starting Monday, June 30, at 10 a.m. ET through Nike’s SNKRS platform, priced at $190 retail. Fans should be prepared for a rapid sellout and price spikes following the initial drop.

Design Features and Athletic Inspiration Behind the Shoe

The Kobe 5 Protro PE draws inspiration from Clark’s admiration for Kobe Bryant, whose signature shoes she has worn since her collegiate days at the University of Iowa. Clark, who signed with Nike in 2024, has helped design this signature player edition, which reflects both her style and performance demands. The shoe includes a flexible Air Zoom unit and carefully scaled traction to enhance court feel, ensuring it remains lightweight and supportive for competitive play.

Nike’s official description highlights the shoe’s colorway of Midnight Navy, Bright Crimson, and University Gold, completed with a high-gloss finish designed to shine under arena lights. These details echo Clark’s prowess and dedication on the court, blending performance with striking visual elements.

Caitlin Clark’s Partnership and Previous Kobe Collaborations

Clark’s agreement with Nike, an eight-year, $28 million deal signed ahead of her WNBA debut, secures her place among prominent athletes with signature footwear. While this Kobe 5 Protro PE marks her first official retail player edition drop, she has previously unveiled special editions and Kobe colorways, including the ‘Rookie of the Year’ edition worn during the Fever’s season opener.

The Kobe 5 Protro model itself is a retro release of the original sneaker that Kobe Bryant wore during the 2008 NBA season. First reintroduced in 2019, this model has since seen multiple new colorways, making Clark’s collaboration a natural extension of the shoe’s evolving legacy.

The Significance of Clark’s New Shoe in Her Career

Caitlin Clark’s signature Kobe 5 Protro PE represents more than just a shoe; it is a symbol of her rising status in professional basketball and her connection to Kobe Bryant’s legacy. As Clark continues to build her brand and on-court presence, this player edition shoe stands as a milestone in her career. Fans and sneaker collectors alike will likely view this release as both a tribute to Kobe’s enduring influence and a reflection of Clark’s relentless competitive spirit.

With multiple collaborating colorways already released, Clark’s path towards launching her own unique sneaker model is expected to continue, making this drop a key moment for her growing partnership with Nike.

“When @caitlinclark22 laces her new Kobe 5 Protro PE she steps into a new dimension. Noise fades, focus hits, and all that’s left is her drive to dominate. Available 6.30 on SNKRS in select regions.” — Nike Basketball

“She’s put her prowess on display wearing an array of coveted Kobe models — now she has her own player edition It’s outfitted in Midnight Navy, Bright Crimson, vibrant hits of University Gold, and polished off with a high-gloss finish that glistens under the spotlight,” — Nike’s official website