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 has emerged as the true spotlight model in Mamba retro plans, the “Court Purple” and “Radiant Emerald” editions in February kicking of what’d become a torrid stream of colorways. Shortly after, the 2013 “Venice Beach” colorway returned for Mamba Day, while the “Mambacita” series continued on the Kobe 8 Protro 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, as pairs remain on shelves in select markets and even more unbelievably, on the grey market for below retail.

In 2025, the Kobe 8’s year will be dominated by the release of the “What the” Kobe 8, one of Nike Basketball’s premier takes on the mismatch theme that first released in 2013. That pair is currently set for a launch on Mamba Day (April 13th, 2025) alongside the Kobe 6 “Dodgers.”

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