The Nike Kobe 8 is Back in Pro Form

The Nike Kobe 8 is back in pro form to celebrate the late Lakers great. Released in 2012, the Eric Avar-designed shoe gets the Protro treatment for a new release to mark what would have been Bryant’s 45th birthday on Aug. 23.

The spotless all-white “Halo” will launch on SNKRS and at select retailers in adult ($180), big kids ($120) and little kid ($90) sizing.

Designed by Eric Avar

The Kobe 8 is the latest silhouette to receive the Protro treatment. This updated edition of the model will mark the first time that Nike’s black-and-white aesthetic will be offered in full-family sizing.

Originally introduced in 2012, the eighth installment of Kobe’s signature line prioritized speed and precision. The low-top incorporated Nike’s newest technologies, including an innovative engineered mesh upper and full-length Lunarlon cushioning.

The Kobe 8 also boasted a sleek sheath logo that paid tribute to the action-hero actor who helped inspire Bryant’s fighting mentality on the court. The sneaker’s legacy can still felt today, with athletes like Ja Morant and Jordan Poole putting their faith in the shoe for its flexibility and great court feel. The Protro version will bring the same benefits to basketball players of all ages, combining modern materials and tech with an iconic design.

Made with Lunarlon

The Kobe 8 Protro combines the original silhouette’s design with Nike’s latest innovation. One of those updates is the use of a full-length React foam midsole, so which improves the shoe’s ride and cushioning.

The new cushion a staple in the Nike basketball lineup and found on so many of the brand’s top models. Nike calls it Lunarlon, and it made by blending together EVA foam with air to deliver bounce and a buttery-smooth stride.

A decade ago, Nike designers like Eric Avar took on the challenge of developing lightweight technology that offered both pillow-soft landings and a bouncy responsiveness. The experts eventually nailed it by squeezing a soft Lunarlon center into a firm Phylon foam shell, creating the Nike Lunaracer for marathon running and the Nike Hyperdunk for basketball.

Today, that specialized blend of Lunarlon and Phylon used in shoes for athletes at every level of the game. It’s a key reason why players like Ja Morant, Tyree Haliburton, and Jordan Poole are so fast from end-to-end.

Available in Full-Family Sizing

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro is the latest silhouette from Black Mamba’s signature line to receive a pro-level Retro treatment. The shoe updated with modern technologies and materials while maintaining its original look and feel. The Eric Avar-designed sneaker first debuted in 2012 and continues to resonate with the basketball world even to this day, appearing on the feet of NBA players like PJ Tucker and Devin Booker.

The new Nike Kobe 8 Protro is scheduled to release on August 23. So it will be available in adult ($180), big kids ($120) and little kids ($90) sizing on SNKRS and select Nike Basketball retailers.

The all-white design features a premium white mesh upper, with black accents on the tongue flaps, lace sets, sockliner and heel counter overlay. The black Nike Kobe logos and embroidered Swooshes contrast against the crisp white backdrop. A grippy herringbone rubber outsole completes the look. The new Nike Kobe 8 Protro the so latest addition to a series of shoes that are being offered in full-family sizing for the first time. This is a move that Vanessa Bryant has championed to give more people the opportunity to rock her husband’s signature kicks.

Release Date

Kobe Bryant’s eighth Nike signature shoe debuted in 2012. Since then, it’s been reimagined by designers and re-released in various collections. The lightest silhouette in the line, it embodies Kobe’s desire to play with his feet.

The shoe’s popularity hasn’t faded over time, resonating with the so likes of young stars like Ja Morant, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jordan Poole. The trio lead shifty offenses in the NBA, with each of them bringing speed and youth to the floor.

The latest version of the Nike Kobe 8 Protro releases this month, dubbed the “Halo.” The triple-white colorway celebrates what would’ve been the Black Mamba’s 45th birthday. The sneaker launches August 23 via Nike’s SNKRS app and select global retailers. The Kobe 8 Protro ‘Halo’ will retail for $180 in adult and kids sizing. It the first release in a new Protro series, so which started by Bryant’s widow Vanessa after she and Nike reached a new deal in 2022.