The Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'X-Ray': Everything You Need To Know About The 2025 Restock

The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “X-Ray” is one of the most thematically profound and visually striking releases in the entire Protro series, and it's making a highly anticipated return. This low-cut signature shoe, which first debuted in late 2024, is scheduled for a major restock in 2025, giving sneaker enthusiasts and basketball players another chance to secure a pair that embodies the relentless spirit of Kobe Bryant. The design’s core concept—showing the inner structure of the foot—is a direct nod to the late Hall of Famer’s incredible perseverance through injury, a true manifestation of the Mamba Mentality.

The upcoming re-release is set to be one of the biggest drops of the year, bringing back the unique Deep Royal Blue colorway with its distinct, almost spooky graphic. Mark your calendars, because this is more than just a sneaker; it’s a wearable piece of Kobe Bryant’s legendary commitment, combining cutting-edge performance with a powerful narrative.

The 'X-Ray' Colorway: Release Details and Design Inspiration

The "X-Ray" colorway for the Nike Kobe 5 Protro is a standout release, celebrated for its bold aesthetic and deep connection to Kobe Bryant’s career. The shoe is a perfect blend of performance footwear and storytelling, making it a must-have for collectors.

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Official Release and Restock Information

• Product Name: Nike Kobe 5 Protro “X-Ray”
• SKU: HJ4303-400
• Initial Release Date: October 17, 2024
• Restock/Re-Release Date: August 24, 2025
• Retail Price: $190 USD
• Colorway: Deep Royal Blue/Baltic Blue-Glacier Blue

The original October 2024 release was a massive success, quickly selling out due to the high demand for Kobe’s signature line, especially the beloved low-cut Kobe 5 model. The confirmed August 24, 2025, restock provides a critical second opportunity for those who missed the initial drop, cementing its status as one of the most important releases of the year.

The Meaning Behind the X-Ray Graphic

The most compelling feature of the "X-Ray" is its unique graphic. The Deep Royal Blue synthetic upper is contrasted by a striking, almost skeletal graphic that resembles the bones of a foot, specifically on the lateral side of the shoe.

This design is directly inspired by Kobe’s ability to push through pain and injury, a core tenet of the Mamba Mentality. The visual representation of the foot's inner structure serves as a powerful metaphor for his resilience and the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level of basketball. It’s a literal look inside the body of a champion, showcasing the dedication of the Black Mamba.

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Further enhancing the design's unique appeal is the outsole, which features a glow-in-the-dark treatment. This subtle but effective detail adds an extra layer of visual flair, especially on the court, and aligns perfectly with the shoe's overall theme of revealing the unseen structure beneath the surface.

Why the Kobe 5 Protro is Still a Performance King

Beyond the captivating "X-Ray" colorway, the Kobe 5 Protro remains one of the most sought-after basketball shoes for its elite on-court performance. The "Protro" (Performance Retro) series takes the original 2009 design and updates it with modern technology, ensuring it meets the demands of today's game.

Key Protro Technology Upgrades

The Kobe 5 was a revolutionary design, known for its ultra-low-cut profile—a design choice that maximized speed and agility, famously inspired by soccer boots. The Protro version maintains this iconic silhouette while enhancing the internal mechanics.

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• Cushioning: The Protro updates the original Phylon midsole with a more responsive setup. It features a large-volume, responsive Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, providing explosive energy return for quick cuts and jumps.
• Traction: The outsole pattern has been slightly refined from the original Kobe V. The tighter spacing of the traction pattern creates more points of contact with the court, offering superior grip and multi-directional stability—a non-negotiable for the Mamba's explosive movements.
• Support: The shoe utilizes a glass composite shank plate in the midfoot. This crucial piece of technology provides torsional rigidity and arch support, preventing the foot from twisting and ensuring a stable platform during aggressive play.

This combination of lightweight construction, responsive cushioning, and elite support makes the Kobe 5 Protro a favorite among NBA players and serious sneaker enthusiasts alike, proving that its performance legacy is as strong as its aesthetic appeal.

The Mamba Mentality Connection: Entities and Legacy

The "X-Ray" shoe is a physical embodiment of the principles Kobe Bryant lived by, known collectively as the Mamba Mentality. This mindset, trademarked by Kobe Bryant, LLC, is defined by a relentless pursuit of greatness, an intense focus on the process, and a deep trust in hard work.

The shoe’s theme of seeing through the surface—the X-ray graphic—perfectly mirrors the Mamba Mentality’s focus on the internal process and unwavering commitment, even when facing physical adversity. Kobe often spoke about the mentality, detailing his insights in his autobiographical book, The Mamba Mentality: How I Play.

Kobe 5 Protro in the Sneaker Ecosystem

The Kobe 5 Protro is a cornerstone of Nike's basketball performance line. Its influence is evident in the continued excitement around every release, including other notable colorways and collaborations. The model has seen special editions honoring various aspects of Kobe's life, from his high school, the Lower Merion Aces, to collaborations like the Undefeated "What If" pack. More recently, the line has gained attention through athletes like Caitlin Clark, who have worn the shoe, further solidifying its status as a peak performance model.

For those looking to secure the Deep Royal Blue/Baltic Blue "X-Ray," the August 24, 2025, restock is the next major date on the calendar. Given the historical demand for Kobe's signature sneakers, especially models with a powerful story like the "X-Ray," preparation for this drop is essential. It’s a chance to own a piece of basketball history that celebrates not just the talent, but the legendary mindset of one of the game's greatest competitors.