Luckily, fans of Kobe Bryant’s signature sneaker line with Nike have had more opportunities to cop his sneakers at retail. The Swoosh has increased the production of colorways and made more colorways. Next year, we already know of plans for releases like the Kobe 6 Protro Dodgers, the Kobe 9 Elite Protro Masterpiece, and the Kobe 6 Protro Sail. However, we’ve just got word that alongside the already-revealed Nike Kobe 9 Elite High Protro What The, the Kobe 8 Protro What The is getting a retro release.
The colorway, identical to the pair from 2013, takes inspiration from nearly 30 different Nike Kobe 8 releases and takes on an asymmetrical design. Red snakeskin-inspired patterns cover the lateral side of the right shoe while an aqua blue takes over the left pair. Large 3M reflective Nike branding comes stamped on the left shoe's medial side, contrasting the silhouette's vibrant blue, red, and purple hues.
Back to the right shoe, we see volt green, yellow, and orange pops along the tongue, lace set, Swoosh, and sockliner. Underfoot, each comes with a mismatched sole unit that will now feature a drop-in React midsole instead of the OG's Lunar cushioning. Finishing the design is the mismatched outsole.
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro What The will release on April 13, 2025, through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $180. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Image via Vanessa Bryant
Images via Nike
GS Images via Nike
Images via Yankee Kicks
Images via yyt_snkrs
Images via yyt_snkrs
Images via knowing_kicks
Images via knowing_kicks
Images via xcsnkr
Images via prm.cotd
Image via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com