First Look At The Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro “Year Of The Horse”

These won't come cheap.

Matt Varga December 18, 2025

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Anyone could’ve seen the heavy Chinese Zodiac push behind Kobe footwear coming if they could connect the dots. The “Year of the Snake” made for an obvious connection to Kobe Bryant’s everlasting moniker, but it seems like the celebratory fare on Bryant’s signature line isn’t only restricted to that reptilian moment. Official images have now surfaced of the Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro “Year of the Horse,” adding major material changes to the hoops silhouette.

As you’ll see below, the central design choice is clear from the jump, replacing the synthetic mesh foundation with a lush, jet-black pony hair. It’s that compositional choice that leads to the “EXT” in the product title, a rare one in modern times but one that Nike frequently trotted out on their hardwood models of the 2010s for more lifestyle-ready makeovers (the “Floral” KD 7 or”Cork” LeBron X some of the more lasting examples). Metallic gold branding throughout only further bolsters the commemorative air behind this shoe, including on a Sheath-laden horseshoe bangle atop the laces. Finally, though equestrians are the defined focus, Bean’s slithering nickname impacts this shoe via red snakeskin insoles, aligning with the fiery packaging that accompanies this pair.

The Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro “Year of the Horse” is expected to hit shelves come Spring 2026. Given the “EXT” label and some of the premium touches here, this pair will carry a $290 sticker price.

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Mens Nike Kobe 8 EXT "Year Of The Horse"

SKU: N/A

RETAIL PRICE: $N/A

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

Retailer	Release type	Status
Nike SNKRS US	Standard	Check Site

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Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.