Nike Kobe 8 Protro Year of the Horse (2026)

Nike Kobe 8 Protro 'Year of the Horse' (2026) brings back the 2014 colourway for the next Year of the Horse in the lunar calendar. A red base meets a yellow Swoosh, blue collar lining and a blue outsole, giving Kobe Bryant's eighth signature shoe a bold, celebratory finish. This is more than a return to an earlier design, though. Kobe Bryant coined the term Protro, short for performance retro, to describe familiar silhouettes updated to meet the demands of the modern game.

A pliable engineered mesh upper moulds to the foot, while the low-cut shape stays true to the original basketball design. The key update from the 2014 edition is Nike React foam, which provides responsive cushioning. Underfoot, herringbone traction with a diamond-inspired layout is designed to grip through pivots and changes of direction on court. Kobe's signature at the heel and his signature logo complete the shoe, connecting its performance-focused construction with the distinctive details of his footwear line.

Key features:

• Upper: Pliable engineered mesh that moulds to the foot.
• Cushioning: Nike React foam updates the original cushioning setup.
• Traction: Herringbone tread with a diamond-inspired layout for changes of direction.
• Colourway: Light Crimson, Bright Citron and Vivid Blue.
• SKU: IM0594-600