There are countless beloved sneakers in Nike’s vast Kobe Bryant signature archive and yet, there’s a near-unanimous favorite amongst fans: the neon green “Grinch” Kobe 6 from Christmas Day 2010. This year, Nike will reportedly revisit the holiday theme on the Kobe 6, albeit with an all-new theme.
According to Sneaker Market Romania and @brandon1an, a Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Coals” colorway is lined up for a holiday 2026 launch. Sporting a Black/Venom Green/Purple Venom colorway, the upcoming sneaker is said to feature a Christmas theme, perhaps referencing the ever-undesirable lump of coal gifting.
Although in-hand images aren’t yet available, a speculative mock-up was provided which depicts a black-based, scale-covered upper with a purple-to-green gradient effect on both the outsole and Swoosh branding.
A speculative mock-up of the upcoming Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Coals” sneaker.
Sneaker Market Romania
This won’t be the first time Nike has issued a spin on the fan-favorite holiday ’10 style. In December 2023, Nike released a red-based “Reverse Grinch” Kobe 6 which moved the style’s signature neon green to the shoelaces.
Thanks to its performance-focused Protro cushioning upgrades, the Nike Kobe 6 remains extremely popular with players. According to data platform Kix Stats, the Kobe 6 was the most-worn sneaker throughout the NBA during the 2024-25 season and has continued its on-court dominance this season.
Other upcoming Kobe-related releases of note include a Nike Kobe 5 Protro in the colors of the late basketball legend’s Lower Merion Aces high school team and a “Mamba Magic” Nike Kobe 3 Protro Low, both of which are set to be released this month. And later in ’26, Bryant’s first post-retirement sneaker, the Nike Kobe AD, will receive its first-ever Protro reissue.
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro Coals will be released during holiday ’26 for $190 from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Nike Basketball retailers. The style code for the new colorway is IO6261-001.