Kobe Bryant’s Wild ‘What the Kobe’ Nikes Are Officially Coming Back
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One of Kobe Bryant’s wildest sneaker designs is officially set for a comeback.
After rumors surfaced in June of a Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What the Kobe” rerelease, the pair is now officially locked in for a April 13 launch for the Beaverton, Ore.-based company’s Mamba Day celebration. Originally released in December 2013, the mismatched Kobe 8 sneaker is one of many Nike “What the” designs, which often incorporate numerous past colorways of a particular model.
For this “What the” pair, the mismatched shoes employ a graphic pattern with references to nearly 30 previously released Kobe 8 styles across the left and right shoes. Among other “What the Kobe” models, the Kobe 8 has historically been the most valuable iteration.
Nike introduced the fan-favorite “What the” concept in 2007 on the “What the Dunk” Nike SB Dunk Low. That pair combined elements of 31 different SB Dunks and has been resold for as high as $24,000.
Updates to the Nike Kobe 8 Protro model compared to the ’13 Kobe 8 include additional tongue padding — although that looks to be omitted on the upcoming “What the Kobe” release, keeping its aesthetic closer to the original version. The Kobe 8 Protro also features a drop-in React foam insole instead of the brand’s older Lunarlon technology.
Other Nike “What the Kobe” sneakers include 2012’s Kobe 7 and 2015’s Kobe 9 Elite (which is also due to return in April) and Kobe 10 Elite High.
Along with the eye-catching “What the Kobe” Nike Kobe 8 Protro, 2025’s Mamba Day launches will include a wider release of the “Dodgers” Nike Kobe 6 Protro following exclusive availability from Undefeated.
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What the Kobe” will be released April 13 for a retail price of $190. The style’s full colorway is “Multi-Color/Multi-Color/Multi-Color” and its adult SKU is HM9621-900. It will also be available in grade school sizing (FN0266-800) for $120). Along with the sneakers, Nike is set to release a range of matching “What the Kobe” apparel including T-shirts and a basketball.
Shop Another Nike Kobe 8 Bestseller in Two Colors
