Kobe’s Love For Soccer Takes Center Stage on Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial

Kobe might have graduated from high school in the Philly suburbs, but major parts of his childhood were spent in Italy, and it’s no secret that he absorbed the country’s love for soccer. Bringing the same intensity to his soccer fandom that he did to the basketball court, Kobe used his Nike sponsorship to incorporate his love for the global game into his signature sneaker line, most notably in the Kobe 8 Mambacurial. Now, 13 years after its debut, the soccer cleat-inspired colorway is making its return in a Protro shell.

The Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial is an exact retro of the 2013 colorway, but uses the updated materials, cushion, and support of the Protro model. Starting with a candy-colored gradient that starts with pink at the toe and evolves into a pinkish purple by the time it reaches the heel, the bright blend is hit with even more highlighter hues with volt green on the Swoosh that covers the lateral side and toecap, the Kobe sheath tongue logo, and the outsole. Black on the midsole and laces adds a bit of muted color to the otherwise loud pair.