Nike Kobe 8

The Nike Kobe 8 is Kobe’s 8th signature shoe with the Oregon giant. Originally releasing in 2012, the model experienced sustained success over its initial run before being succeeded by the Nike Kobe 9. In 2023, the “Protro” program, a Nike initiative that retroed a number of the Mamba’s sneakers in colorways both familiar and fresh, finally reached his 8th signature. The all-white “Halo” edition officially broke that ground towards the end of the year.

In 2024, the Kobe 8 Protro emerged as the true spotlight model in Mamba retro plans, the “Court Purple” and “Radiant Emerald” editions in February kicking off a torrid stream of colorways. Shortly after, the 2013 “Venice Beach” colorway returned for Mamba Day, while the “Mambacita” series continued on the model in May.

The widest release of Kobe 8 Protros came in Fall 2024 with the “Team Bank” collection, a set of accessible two-tone formulations meant for casual hoops. Arriving via a slew of retailers, the capsule finally gave long-time fans who cried for accessible Mamba releases their wish.

Future Plans For The Nike Kobe 8 Protro

In 2026, the Kobe 8 has already issued some unexpected headlines, returning to the “EXT” experimental material make-ups with a “Siempre Hermanos” colorway inspired by Pau Gasol and with a pony hair execution tied to the Year of the Horse. Along similar lines, the “Year of the Horse” proper marked the biggest Retro moment for the silhouette so far. Looking ahead on the schedule, bring-backs for the “Mambacurial” and “Shanghai Fireworks” tap into nostalgia for fans who were around for the model’s original run on shelves.

Below you can find our latest coverage of the Nike Kobe 8 Protro, including release dates, official images and new colorways.