Nike will re-release the Kobe 8 Protro What The Kobe on April 13th, 2025, aligning with Mamba Day – commemorating Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game in 2016. First launched in December 2013, this mismatched sneaker draws from nearly thirty previous Kobe 8 colorways. The updated Protro version keeps the original’s eclectic look intact while featuring performance upgrades consistent with Nike’s approach to retro models.
Mismatched Aesthetic with Original References
The 2025 Kobe 8 What The maintains its asymmetric layout. The right shoe features a bright orange base with a Volt Swoosh, while the left shoe comes in deep blue with an orange Swoosh and oversized 3M reflective “NIKE” branding on the medial panel. Each shoe is finished with a semi-translucent outsole – each distinct in color – to emphasize the visual duality.
This concept fuses recognizable design cues from earlier Kobe 8 releases, such as “Venice Beach,” “Pit Viper,” “Easter,” and others. The mismatched style is intentional, with each component referencing a different previous model in the line. The result is a highly layered design that reflects the breadth of the original Kobe 8 catalog.
Built for On-Court Performance
Though the look draws directly from the 2013 version, the 2025 Protro edition of the What The Kobe 8s incorporates performance-driven upgrades. Most notably, Nike has replaced the original Lunarlon cushioning with a React foam insert. This update delivers improved comfort and energy return over prolonged play.
The upper is made of engineered mesh, designed to be soft, pliable, and supportive. It conforms to the foot during movement while staying lightweight for agility. Traction remains a strength: the outsole pattern grips indoor courts well and provides the squeaky response needed for hard stops and quick changes in direction.
The Protro’s low-top silhouette stays consistent with Bryant’s preference for natural mobility on the court, making it suitable for guards and quick wings who rely on speed and shiftiness.
Mamba Day and Nike’s 2025 Releases
April 13, known as Mamba Day, marks the anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s last professional game, when he scored 60 points in a farewell performance against the Utah Jazz. Nike has continued to use this date to release special edition Kobe products, keeping his basketball legacy active through footwear and apparel.
This year, the Kobe 8 Protro “What The” headlines Nike’s Mamba Day schedule, launching alongside the Kobe 6 Protro “Dodgers” colorway. Both models reflect different aspects of Bryant’s legacy – his history with the Lakers and his deep connection to the city of Los Angeles.
In addition to the sneakers, Nike is set to release accompanying apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, and a limited-edition “What The” basketball. The apparel mirrors the sneaker’s patchwork concept, tying the broader release into a cohesive drop.
The Kobe 8 in the Protro Era
The Kobe 8 originally debuted in 2012 and was celebrated for its lightweight build and responsive cushioning. The Protro line – Nike’s initiative to modernize past Kobe models for today’s athletes – finally extended to the Kobe 8 in 2023. The launch of the all-white “Halo” edition marked the beginning of that rollout.
In 2024, Nike released several Kobe 8 Protro colorways including “Court Purple,” “Radiant Emerald,” and the 2013 “Venice Beach” reissue. The “Mambacita” edition followed in May, and the “Team Bank” pack delivered two-tone options designed for team use.
The return of the “What The” Kobe 8 marks the most ambitious 2025 Protro release so far. Unlike the “Team Bank” pairs designed for everyday use, this model stays close to the 2013 original in every visual detail.
Visual Consistency, Technical Updates
Aside from replacing Lunarlon with React foam, the adult sizing retains the flat mesh tongue seen on the original model. The grade school version includes a padded mesh tongue instead. Beyond that, Nike has ensured the structure and color blocking remain consistent with the original release.
The sneaker’s split personality – the right shoe in warm reds and oranges, the left in cool blues and purples – continues to define its look. The 3M reflective medial branding adds visual weight to the left shoe, balancing the bold Volt Swoosh on the right. Combined with the asymmetrical soles, every detail reinforces the sneaker’s unorthodox approach.
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What The” returns on April 13, 2025, priced at $180, as part of Nike’s official Mamba Day 2025 lineup. It features an array of color references pulled from earlier Kobe 8 designs, updated with React cushioning and modern mesh materials. Though it pays homage to the past, its on-court performance and careful build ensure it’s ready for today’s athletes.
Model: Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What The”
Colorway: Multi-Color
SKU: HM9621-900
Price: $190 USD
Release Date: April 13
Available at: Nike SNKRS and select retailers
my eyes burn. what on earth is this Kobe 8 designers?