Earlier this year, Nike announced that Kobe Bryant’s estate agreed to continue its partnership with Nike. Vanessa Bryant shared on Instagram that fans will have access to Nike Kobe and Gigi products for years to come, with Nike donating 100% of net proceeds yearly to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. First looks of a Nike Kobe 8 Protro have surfaced online, leaving fans to believe that the sneaker will return in 2023.
The renewal of the Nike Kobe partnership began with the fan-favorite Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16,” a sneaker dedicated to Kobe’s daughter Gigi, who would have turned 16 in 2022. The Nike Kobe 8 Protro would be the first sneaker to release since then and restores yet another iconic Kobe signature model.
The Nike Kobe 8 first launched in 2012 and released in exciting colorways such as the “What the Kobe,” “Prelude,” “Venice Beach,” “Milk Snake,” and “Christmas.” The initial comeback pair has a Black-on-Black build, seemingly fit for a “Black Mamba” colorway.
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro is rumored to return in Fall 2023. Updates can be found on our sneaker release dates page. While we wait for more info, take a look at the Protro below and follow @NiceDrops on Instagram.
