Corner Kick: The Nike Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial Hits Retail in September

You weren’t just paying attention to participate in the World Cup hype, right? Right?? Unlike most Americans, for Kobe Bryant, soccer was more than just a flash-in-the-pan fad every four years. Thanks to his youth spent in Italy, Kobe was a die-hard soccer fan and integrated his love for The Beautiful Game into every part of his Nike sneaker line.

The Mamba Strikes at Midfield

Besides his trend-setting embrace of low-top basketball shoes coming from soccer cleats, the Kobe line has been integrated into the uniforms and gear of La Liga powerhouse FC Barcelona, and his Nike Kobe line has brought soccer shoe designs to the court.

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial is a blast from the past, bringing the Mercurial-themed Kobe 8 colorway back from 2013. Designed to look like one of Nike’s hottest performance soccer cleats ever, the Mercurial design in pink and purple gradient with slime green accents is still iconic.

Nike Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial Release Details

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial will be released September 19, 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $200. To stay up on all the latest Kobe Protro news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com