With a reissue of 2014’s Year of the Horse-themed Kobe 8 sneaker already set to release in Protro form, Nike has also readied a brand new version of Kobe Bryant’s eighth signature shoe to accompany it.
While the upcoming rerelease focuses on color with its bright red, blue and yellow combination, the new EXT colorway takes a more literal approach with a black-based pony hair makeup. The majority of the upper is draped in the textured material with suede filling in the heel portion. Metallic gold details add some color, which is otherwise confined to a red, snakeskin-printed insole. A gold horseshoe charm comes affixed to the tongue, just in case there was any question about the style’s Chinese zodiac inspiration.
Introduced in 2023, the Nike Kobe 8 Protro includes modern updates in line with Bryant’s desire for a “performance retro” line. Key changes from the original Kobe 8 include React foam cushioning instead of Lunarlon and an updated herringbone outsole which Nike says delivers better grip and on-court performance. The Kobe 8 Protro was the first model to feature an all-white “Halo” colorway, a yearly tribute to honor Bryant’s birthday.
Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (pair).
Nike
Bryant was well known for his passionate connection to China and its fanbase. The late basketball legend frequently visited China for Nike promo tours and during a handful of overseas NBA and Olympic games. In 2009, he established the Kobe Bryant China Fund charity and in a 2017 interview, he said China was “like a second home.”
Bryant’s signature sneakers have frequently been part of Nike’s Chinese New Year and other themed collections, so it’s not all that surprising to see the brand going all-out with its 2026 Year of the Horse releases.
Along with the Kobe 8s, Nike, Inc. will release several other Year of the Horse styles including the Air Force 1 Low, Dunk Low, Ja 3, LD-1000, Shox Z and a Jordan Brand collection.
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT Year of the Horse features a Black/University/Red colorway and its style code is IO8152-001. The pair is set to be released during spring ’26 for a retail price of $290 and will come in special packaging as seen below.
Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (lateral).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (medial).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (top).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (heel).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (outsole).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (detail).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (heel detail).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (insole).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (dust bag).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (shoebox).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (open shoebox).
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Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse (shoelaces).
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