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... © Sneaker News, 2026. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us The post Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacurial” Releases On September 19th appeared first on Sneaker News. The post Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacurial” Releases On September 19th appeared first on Sneaker News.

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.