The New York Knicks star’s Nike collaboration featuring Hyper Turquoise colorway disappears from retailers within minutes of launch
The highly anticipated Nike Kobe 6 Protro collaboration with New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson vanished from digital shelves Wednesday morning, selling out within minutes of its 10 a.m. EST release. The exclusive sneaker, which retailed for $200, is already commanding prices exceeding $1,000 on secondary markets, reflecting the intense demand for limited-edition basketball footwear.
Release creates frenzy among sneaker collectors
The drop occurred through Nike’s SNKRS app using a draw system that gave entrants exactly 10 minutes to submit their entries starting at 10 a.m. EST. Unlike traditional first-come, first-served releases, the draw format was designed to give more people a fair chance, but the limited quantities still left most hopeful buyers empty-handed.
Select Nike retail locations and Foot Locker stores also received limited inventory for in-store purchases, with some locations reporting lines forming hours before opening. The physical releases operated on a first-come basis, creating scenes reminiscent of previous high-profile sneaker drops that have captivated collectors nationwide.
New York inspiration drives design elements
The Statue of Liberty theme permeates every aspect of the shoe’s design, with the signature Hyper Turquoise upper directly mirroring the aged copper patina that gives Lady Liberty her distinctive color. Metallic Copper accents punctuate the Nike Swoosh, Kobe Sheath logos and heel cage, creating visual continuity with the monument’s original copper construction.
The snakeskin-inspired texture on the upper adds premium appeal while maintaining the performance features that made the Kobe 6 silhouette popular among professional players. The design serves as a tribute to Brunson’s deep connection with New York, where he’s emerged as a franchise cornerstone for the Knicks since joining the team.
IN HAND LOOK: Jalen Brunson x Nike Kobe 6 “Statue of Liberty” 🗽 pic.twitter.com/ylfhiPQoVv
— JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) November 19, 2025
Resale market responds immediately to scarcity
Secondary market platforms including StockX, GOAT and Flight Club saw prices surge within hours of the release. Early listings on these authentication-verified marketplaces show the sneakers trading between $500 and $1,200, with some sizes commanding premium prices based on availability.
The immediate price escalation follows historical patterns for Kobe Bryant collaborations, which typically appreciate 150 to 300 percent above retail value within the first week. The combination of limited supply, Brunson’s rising star power and the culturally resonant New York theme created perfect conditions for resale inflation.
Performance features remain intact despite aesthetic focus
Despite the emphasis on visual storytelling, Nike maintained the technical specifications that made the Zoom Kobe 6 Protro a favorite among guards at all levels of basketball. The ankle support, cushioning system and court traction that defined previous iterations remain unchanged, ensuring the shoe functions as legitimate performance footwear rather than merely a collector’s item.
This balance between form and function expands the potential buyer base beyond sneaker collectors to include serious basketball players who want distinctive footwear without sacrificing on-court capabilities. The dual appeal contributes to the sustained demand that drives secondary market pricing.
Strategy for securing future limited releases
Sneaker enthusiasts hoping to secure similar releases in the future should prioritize updating their SNKRS app well before drop times and ensuring payment information and shipping addresses are verified in advance. The 10-minute window for draw entries leaves no margin for technical difficulties or account issues.
For in-store releases, calling ahead to confirm inventory and size availability can save time and frustration. Major metropolitan areas, particularly New York given this release’s theme, typically receive larger allocations but also face more intense competition from local collectors and resellers.
Cultural significance extends beyond footwear
The collaboration represents more than a sneaker release, embodying Brunson’s journey to becoming a New York basketball icon. His connection to the city and the landmark that inspired the colorway resonates with fans who see the shoe as a wearable representation of his impact on the franchise and community.
The Statue of Liberty symbolism adds layers of meaning beyond typical athlete collaborations, tapping into New York’s cultural identity and the monument’s universal recognition. This depth of storytelling differentiates the release from purely aesthetic-driven designs and contributes to its immediate collectibility.
The success of Wednesday’s drop suggests continued strong demand for basketball sneakers that merge performance innovation with cultural narratives, particularly when tied to rising stars in major markets like New York.
