Nike will reissue Kobe Bryant's soccer-inspired Kobe 8 Mambacurial sneakers for the first time since their 2013 debut. The updated Protro version features a modernized React midsole and retains the original colorway. The release is scheduled for this summer at $200.
Nike is preparing for the World Cup with various sneaker launches, including a revival of Kobe Bryant's fan-favorite Nike Kobe 8 “Mambacurial” style. Originally debuted in 2013, this soccer-inspired design draws from Nike’s Mercurial Vapor 9, a 2013 cleat worn by Cristiano Ronaldo. The reissue marks the first time the Kobe 8 Mambacurial has returned in nearly its original form, upgraded as a Protro model with a React drop-in midsole replacing the original Lunarlon cushioning.
The sneakers feature the signature Red Plum/Electric Green/Pink Flash colorway, including a pink-to-purple gradient fade on the engineered mesh upper, a large bright green Swoosh at the toe, and white Nike branding in bold Futura text on the medial side. Images of the updated style were shared by @prm.cotd, providing a full look at the faithful recreation.
Kobe Bryant's affinity for soccer extended beyond aesthetics to influence basketball footwear design. His fourth signature sneaker, the Nike Kobe 4, popularized low-top styles inspired by the maneuverability of soccer cleats. Working with designer Eric Avar, Bryant incorporated this lower-cut ankle support, a change that reshaped the market and remains evident in modern basketball shoes.
The Mambacurial colorway appeared later on models like the Kobe 10 Elite, Kobe 11, and Kobe A.D. NXT, but the Kobe 8 holds the most enduring legacy among them. The Nike Kobe 8 Protro Mambacurial, style code IO6253-500, will launch this summer via Nike’s Snkrs app and select Nike Basketball retailers for $200.