Nike brings the Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial back on September 19, reviving the 2013 colorway for its first return. The design draws directly from the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX soccer boot, translating its vivid color treatment and graphic language onto Kobe Bryant’s eighth signature basketball shoe. Red Plum, Pink Flash and Electric Green define the release, while the Protro construction introduces Nike React cushioning for the current edition.
SNEAKERS
The upper begins in Red Plum around the heel and shifts into Pink Flash toward the toe. Electric Green covers the Swoosh and appears on the tongue and outsole, creating one of the most recognizable color combinations from the original Kobe 8 series. Nike uses engineered mesh for the upper, giving the shoe a soft and pliable structure that follows the shape of the foot while maintaining the low profile associated with the model.
The Mercurial influence goes deeper than the color palette. The original Mambacurial took specific cues from the Mercurial Vapor IX “Fireberry”, which used a similarly vivid pink and green treatment. Nike shifted the Swoosh toward the forefoot and added oversized white NIKE lettering to the medial side, adapting visual elements associated with the football boot. The 2026 pair keeps those details, preserving the connection between the basketball silhouette and its soccer reference.
A translucent Electric Green outsole continues the football theme. Beneath it, a grass graphic references the pitch and gives another direct clue to the concept behind the Mambacurial.
The concept also connects with Bryant’s own interest in soccer. He spent part of his childhood in Italy and developed an early relationship with the sport before building his career in basketball. Nike later returned to that connection through other Kobe projects, including football footwear carrying Mamba branding.
Nike updates the performance setup through its Protro program. The shoe uses a Nike React foam insert underfoot, while the engineered mesh upper keeps the construction lightweight and flexible. Nike pairs the cushioning with a traction setup designed to support quick cuts and acceleration on court.
The 2026 release marks the first return of the original Mambacurial colorway since 2013, bringing one of the Kobe 8’s most distinctive soccer-inspired designs back into the Protro series. Nike will release the Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacurial” on September 19 in adult, Big Kids’ and Little Kids’ sizing. The adult pair retails for $200, with Big Kids’ priced at $120 and Little Kids’ at $90.
Name: Nike Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial
Colorway: Red Plum/Electric Green-Pink Flash
SKU: IO6253-500
Price: 200 USD
Release Date: September 19
Available at: Nike and select retailers
