Quick Facts
- Nike is adding another sneaker to its Year of the Horse celebration
- The Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro comes with ultra-premium materials and a high price tag to reflect the build
- Expect a drop Spring 2026
- Retail is set at $290
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After giving the Kobe 8 the Protro treatment in 2023 to kick off the Halo series, Nike has slowly trickled out releases of Kobe Bryant’s eighth signature sneaker in the years following. We’ve been lucky to get re-releases of the What The and Venice colorways, as well as new takes like the Mambacita and the Team Bank pack. However, we have yet to get a Protro EXT release. That is, until now. In celebration of the Chinese New Year, and launching alongside a Protro release of the Kobe 8 Year of the Horse, Nike Basketball has prepped a premium lifestyle version of the Kobe 8 Protro for the occasion.
For those unfamiliar, EXT stands for Extension, basically a lifestyle or off-the-court version of Nike Kobe sneakers. Multiple models have been given this treatment over the years, including the Kobe 8, 9, and 10, with Vanessa Bryant recently teasing a Kobe 9 EXT Protro. However, that pair was exclusive to Vanessa, making this new Kobe 8 EXT Protro the first publicly available Protro Kobe to get an EXT release.
As for the sneaker itself, the Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse comes with a faux pony hair finish in black across most of its panels as a clear nod to the Chinese zodiac. Golden embellishments are found on the Kobe sheath logo atop the tongue, Kobe’s signature on the lateral heel, and the added horseshoes on the lacing setup. Inside sits a faux snakeskin insole in red and black. The packaging extends the red snakeskin theme, with the design featuring embossed snakeskin details and golden accents. Alongside a dust bag, the inside of the box features a quote from Kobe Bryant, reading, “You have to work hard in the dark to shine in the light.”
The Nike Kobe 8 EXT Protro Year of the Horse will be released Spring 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $290. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for real-time updates on release info for this ultra-premium Kobe and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
