Nike is launching the Kobe 3 Low Protro in a Pink Quartz colorway on March 13, 2026, marking the model's first broad retail availability. The design draws inspiration from Kobe Bryant's early NBA seasons at the Los Angeles Forum, featuring soft pink tones that evoke the arena's nighttime glow. Priced at $190 USD, the sneaker includes modern performance upgrades for contemporary basketball play.
The Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Pink Quartz” represents a nostalgic return to Kobe Bryant's formative years in the NBA. Originally debuting during the 2007-08 season, the Kobe 3 silhouette returned as part of Nike's Protro series last year, with the low-top version following in 2026. Prior to this global release, Nike offered an ultra-limited “Warning Label” colorway exclusively in Los Angeles during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.
This Pink Quartz iteration pays tribute to Bryant's first three seasons, when he played at the historic Los Angeles Forum in Inglewood, California. The arena's exterior often glowed pink at night, a visual tied to that era of Lakers basketball. The sneaker captures this through a quilted upper in soft pink tones, described as Doll/White-Pink Foam, with darker accents on the midfoot and heel for contrast and structure. Black-and-white detailing highlights the Nike and Kobe branding, while a pink outsole provides the base.
Nike states that the light and dark elements reflect the blend of youthful energy and intense focus from Bryant's early career. For modern performance, the shoe features full-length Zoom Air Strobel cushioning, a Cushlon 3.0 foam midsole, a mesh-backed TPU upper, and a diamond-pattern outsole—a nod to Bryant's daughter Natalia. These updates make the sneaker lower and lighter, enhancing on-court responsiveness while preserving the iconic design.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson debuted the Pink Quartz colorway in a game against the Lakers, following a Nike social media tease titled “Droppin' Gems.” The release is scheduled for March 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. EST via the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers, with an MSRP of $190 USD. Sources indicate it may sell out quickly, with resale options on platforms like StockX and GOAT.