Trojan Territory: Nike Kobe 6 Protro Goes Cardinal and Gold for USC

The Mamba spirit lives on in Los Angeles, and this time it’s laced in cardinal and gold. Nike’s latest Kobe 6 Protro has landed as an exclusive for the USC Trojans, and it’s exactly the kind of collegiate flex you’d expect from one of hoops’ most storied programs.

This three-pack of PEs goes heavy on school pride. The white, black, and crimson builds each bring a different energy, from clean-cut team-issue to full-throttle Trojan fever. All three rock that signature scaly upper inspired by a snake’s skin, while the crimson pair takes it up a notch with a wild white-to-yellow gradient fade through the eyestays. Gold Swooshes, custom logos, and performance tech keep it anchored firmly in Protro territory.

Under the hood, it’s the same lethal setup: low-cut silhouette, Zoom Air cushioning, and traction that bites harder than a guard dog. Built for speed, precision, and pure attitude – just how Kobe liked it.

This isn’t the Trojans’ first exclusive ride. The USC program has previously locked in bespoke PEs like the Nike Book 1 ‘USC Trojans' colourway worn by Devin Booker, dressed in cardinal and gold varsity styling and USC branding throughout. Even the football team got in on the action with customised Nike Kobe 6 cleats, complete with snakeskin textures and Trojans flair.

With USC’s men’s and women’s squads expected to debut the models across the 2025–26 season, these PEs keep the Mamba legacy moving through the next generation of LA hoops. No release plans yet, but keep it locked to Sneaker Freaker for updates.

For more on the Mamba legacy, make sure to check out the latest word on the Kobe 9 'China' re-up.