The Nike Kobe 8 “Year of the Horse” Returns as a Protro in 2026

Kobe Bryant’s signature sneaker line leaned hard into annual Lunar New Year releases, due to Bryant’s love of traveling to Asia in the off seasons. This year, Nike is rereleasing the OG Kobe 8 “Year of the Horse” style, coming in January. Nike Kobe Chinese New Year releases trace back to the early 2010s, when […] The post The Nike Kobe 8 “Year of the Horse” Returns as a Protro in 2026 appeared first on JustFreshKicks.

Kobe Bryant’s signature sneaker line leaned hard into annual Lunar New Year releases, due to Bryant’s love of traveling to Asia in the off seasons. This year, Nike is rereleasing the OG Kobe 8 “Year of the Horse” style, coming in January.

Nike Kobe Chinese New Year releases trace back to the early 2010s, when Nike Basketball began honoring the Lunar New Year with special colorways. Kobe’s signature line became a standout, blending performance innovation with symbolic red, gold, and zodiac-inspired details. Models like the Kobe 6, 7, and 8 carried regional storytelling tied to prosperity and renewal. After a pause following Bryant’s retirement and passing, CNY-themed Kobe releases returned via Protro retros, including the Kobe 8’s original style from 2014. This week, we have a closer look at the 2026 reissue.

Back in 2014, Kobe Bryant was still in his prime, and Nike was popping off with their yearly signature sneakers for the Black Mamba. The eighth model in the franchise was the last style to release exclusively in low-top form, and brought us plenty of iconic colorways while sticking to their usual recipes. One of the best pairs of that season was the “Year of the Horse” edition, which returns in the same styling as 2014 for a reissue in 2026. The look sports a bold red upper with electric blue detailing for the outsoles and inner lining, using gold accents to complete the look.

NIKE KOBE 8 PROTRO “YEAR OF THE HORSE” RELEASE INFORMATION

Nike’s next release of their Kobe 8 Protro has not been officially announced yet, but the CNY pair is expected to release on January 31st, 2026. Bringing back the “Year of the Horse” style from the shoe’s original 2014 run, this bright colorway arrives early for the 2026 Lunar New Year. Pairs will be available from Nike and select retailers for $180.

Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Year of the Horse”
Color: Light Crimson/Bright Citron-Vivid Blue
Style Code: IM0594-600
Release Date: January 31st, 2026
Price: $180

Check out the early images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.