Class Act: The Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Lower Merion Aces’ Is Back in Session

are set to revisit a legendary high school tribute with the  Protro ‘Lower Merion Aces (Away),’ expected to release next year. Originally arriving in 2010, the palette stays true to Kobe’s Philadelphia alma mater, featuring a dominant metallic silver body, ‘Team Red’ accents, and crisp white midsole – a reversal of the ‘Home’ version’s colour placement. The lateral Swoosh appears in bold maroon, echoing the Lower Merion High School Aces’ team colours. Adding to the high‑school homage is the iconic card‑style ‘Aces’ logo embroidered on the heel tab, paying tribute to the school’s mascot and Kobe’s early rise to stardom.

Originally designed by Eric Avar, the Kobe 5’s upper combines lightweight synthetic materials with heat‑bonded overlays and signature Flywire cables for locked-in support. A sculpted heel counter enhances stability, while the outsole showcases a ‘heartbeat’ traction pattern – a nod to Kobe’s unyielding pulse on the court.

Technically, the Protro version upgrades the cushioning to modern standards (Zoom Air forefoot and heel), also retains the glass/carbon-fibre shank plate for midfoot rigidity, and features subtle updates to the outsole for improved traction suited to today’s faster-paced play.

This year has been a big one for Mamba-heads. Things kicked off with the colourways, celebrating the Lunar New Year. Since then, we’ve had plenty more heat surface, including the recent colourway slated to hit the mound later this month.

The Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Lower Merion Aces’ is expected to arrive in 2026 at Nike and select retailers.

For more on Kobe’s sneakers, make sure to check out Knicks hero Jalen Brunson wore during the NBA playoffs – among a mountain of other high-heat Kobe PEs!