Kobe Bryant‘s two jerseys numbers from his NBA career are set to grace a pair of the Nike Kobe 8 Protros arriving next year.
Official images have been revealed for the Kobe 8 Protro “Court Purple,” which features on all-over print of both “8” and “24” across the upper. The numbers are printed in Los Angeles Lakers purple atop a white mesh upper. The translucent outsole also makes use of the color, as does the branding consisting of the midfoot Swoosh, Bryant’s signature at the heel, and Nike Kobe logos on the tongue and heel. A solid white forms the midsole, heel stabilizer, and tongue for a simple color-blocked look.
An additional version of the all-over print Kobe 8 Protro has also been seen in turquoise, but for obvious reasons, it’ll be the purple variant that Kobe fans will target most ardently.
December is about to be a major month for the Nike Kobe line that was just relaunched in earnest in August. The all-new Kobe 6 Protro “Reverse Grinch” flips the color scheme of the “Grinch” edition, which released in 2010 and then again in 2020 as arguably the most beloved Kobe sneaker of all-time. Releasing shortly after will be the Kobe 4 Protro “Black Mamba,” which, appropriately, features an all-black color scheme and will be accompanied by a varsity jacket and Los Angeles Lakers jersey featuring both “8” and “24.”
Sneaker leakers have reported that the Kobe 8 Protro “Court Purple” will release Feb. 8, 2024 — making a nice little easter egg with another play on Bryant’s numbers. Expect a retail price of $180.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
