Kobe Bryant and Nike revolutionized the sneaker landscape in 2009 with the release of the Kobe IV in January 2009. Excluding the ultra-rare ‘Venom’ version, Bryant’s fourth signature shoe debuted in a colorway that paired well with the Los Angeles Lakers’ uniforms and went down as one of the more iconic versions of the model.
With Bryant’s line forging ahead on two fronts — new signature shoes and through a Protro series — the Nike Kobe 4 Protro ‘Carpe Diem’ is set to return Saturday, June 1. It’s releasing via the SNKRS app at 7 a.m. PT and at select retailers.
With a blend of modern technology mixed in, the famed ‘Carpe Diem’ Kobe IV keeps its original aesthetics for the Protro model. The black leather upper features a snakeskin patent leather toe box, gold swoosh with a purple outline, translucent sole, purple heel cup and quilted collar.
And of course, the ‘Carpe Diem’ logo on the tongue. When translated from Latin, the phrase reads, “seize the day,” which was a moniker Bryant had in pursuit of his fourth NBA championship.
Although fans quickly took to the ‘Carpe Diem’ design, it would not again be incorporated into Bryant’s signature line until a release of the Kobe XI EM in 2016.
Yup. pic.twitter.com/JRDa7VvNn1
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 17, 2018
Saturday’s release will mark a third Kobe IV Protro to hit the market. The shoe was retooled and returned during NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, fittingly in the ‘Draft Day’ colorway. The white/blue/teal pair was in recognition of the Hornets selecting Bryant in the 1996 NBA Draft.
Last week, the white/del sol pair returned. That version of the shoe originally released as part of Nike’s Playoff Pack (POP) in 2009. Bryant wore the model for select games during the Western Conference Playoffs.