Nike Kobe AD Protro 'Coals' Brings a Dark Twist to Christmas 2026
Kobe’s Christmas collection gets another bold addition.ByAaron ShamimNov 09, 2026
Nike Basketball is taking a darker approach to its annual Christmas releases with the Kobe AD Protro 'Coals.' Featuring a combination of black, purple, and electric green, the upcoming sneaker joins a growing collection of holiday-themed Kobe Bryant footwear arriving in December 2026.
Rather than embracing traditional Christmas colors, the 'Coals' collection draws its identity from a more unconventional palette. The Kobe AD Protro features a predominantly black synthetic upper, creating a minimal foundation that allows its brighter accents to stand out.
The most striking detail appears along the midsole, where Purple Venom transitions into Venom Green through a vibrant gradient. The contrasting colors bring a futuristic appearance to the silhouette while maintaining the streamlined design of the original Kobe AD.
Bright green also highlights the Nike Swoosh and Kobe's signature Sheath logo, with smaller accents appearing throughout the sneaker. The combination creates a distinctive look that connects the AD Protro with the rest of Nike's upcoming holiday collection.
The release will accompany the Nike Kobe 6 Protro 'Coals,' which is scheduled to arrive on Christmas Day. Additional footwear in the collection includes an Air Force 1 Low featuring a textured, scale-inspired upper and a cleated Kobe 6 designed for football.
The Kobe AD has also been receiving renewed attention through Nike's recent themed collections. Earlier in 2026, the silhouette appeared in the 'Mamba Eternos' Día de los Muertos collection, alongside the Kobe 3 Low and Dunk Low, highlighting Nike's continued expansion of the model's Protro lineup.
The upcoming release gives fans another opportunity to revisit the Kobe AD, originally introduced in 2016, through a modernized performance silhouette and a fresh seasonal colorway.
The Nike Kobe AD Protro 'Coals' is expected to release in December 2026 for $155 USD. Although the Kobe 6 'Coals' is scheduled for December 25, Nike has not confirmed whether the AD Protro will launch on the same date.