Fans of Kobe Bryant were overjoyed to hear that the iconic Nike Kobe line would continue following Vanessa Bryant and Nike coming to an agreement in 2022. Nike CEO John Donahoe has now given us a greater idea of what to expect, saying on the company’s 2023 Q4 earnings call, “It's going to be an exciting summer as we set the stage to relaunch the Kobe brand in advance of Kobe Day on 8/24.”
A source from Nike tells Sole Retriever the Kobe 8 Protro “Triple White” will release August 24 through NBHD accounts, meaning the shoe will be the most widely available since Bryant's passing. The source also confirmed apparel will release alongside the Triple White Kobes and said to expect certain future releases to remain more exclusive and focused on the West Coast, as per Vanessa's wishes. As of now, there are no plans to bring back the Mamba Fury or any other takedown models from the line.
A Kobe T-shirt and hoodie are on the slate for the fall season and could be the apparel to launch on Kobe Day. The tee will be available in men’s and kids' sizing for $40 and $30, respectively, while the hoodie will retail for $80 in men’s sizing. Additional apparel is expected for the holiday season, including an additional T-shirt priced at $50 and an $800 jacket.
We can also expect the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Black Gold” and the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Reverse Grinch" to release during the upcoming holiday season. In 2024, Nike will release at least two more Kobe 8 Protro colorways, including “White Radiant Emerald” and “White Court Purple.”
So far, there have only been two Nike Kobe releases since the contract renewal, the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita” and Kobe 4 Protro “Gigi.” Select NBA players were gifted the Kobe 6 Protro “Black History Month” during NBA All-Star Weekend in February.
Although we cannot confirm at this time, it’s possible we will see inline takedown models like the Kobe AD or Mamba Fury make a return. All of the recent Nike Kobe releases have been extremely limited, and this trend will likely continue. Reintroducing takedown models will provide options for more Kobe fans to purchase sneakers with ties to the late NBA great while also keeping the main Kobe line precious.
We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments and releases for Nike Kobe products. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app for real-time alerts and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
