Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacurial” Releases On September 19th

The World Cup may be in the rearview, but as the Nike Cryoshot series demonstrates, it’ll take some time before fútbol stops being a reference point in the big brands’ catalogs. Another postscript is in the works in Beaverton as more detailed images of the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacurial” roll in.

This colorway was originally minted in 2013, taking cues from Nike’s boot roster in an expression of Bryant’s love for the beautiful game. Specifically, the purple/pink gradient, spell-out text on the medial side, and mini Swoosh adapt details from the contemporary Nike Mercurial Vapor 9 on shelves during that same period. Hi-vis neon green trim only adds to that, serendipitously befitting the on-court flash that’s become inescapable in performance wear.

Zooming out, this adds to a long lineage of Kobe footwear styled after his various non-basketball sporting interests. The ongoing partnership between Kobe Brand and Barca is top of mind in that regard, expected to crop up again with the Kobe Dunk “Barcelona” and Kobe 3 “Barcelona.” True to the late legend’s adolescent fútbol career, it’s also resulted in some earnest cleat releases; 2025 saw two Phantom 6 colorways, and this hoops edition will drop alongside a Kobe Mercurial cleat.

As mentioned above, the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacurial” drops on September 19th globally, retailing for $200.