It’s safe to say that the Protro program, which reintroduced Kobe’s shoes, has been a huge success. Reviving the Mamba’s iconic silhouettes has generated even more demand than their original releases, thanks to a renewed supply from Oregon. The latest addition to this initiative is the Nike Kobe 8 “Orange/White,” set to drop later this year.
We’ve mentioned before, and it bears repeating, that many of the recent Nike Kobe 8 colorways feature simpler designs. This orange and white combo follows that trend, sticking entirely to those two shades. This edition and its recent predecessors mark a clear departure from the bold, graphic colorways of the original 2012-13 run.
That’s not to say Nike’s creatives aren’t adding energy to new designs; releases like the “Mambacita” or “Radiant Emerald” prove otherwise. However, the increasing number of these simpler looks seems to be drawing a clear line between the two styles. As this pattern continues, the return of the Kobe 8 as a staple basketball shoe becomes more likely, which fans both new and old would surely celebrate.
The Nike Kobe 8 “Orange/White” is rumored to release this fall. While a retail price of $190 is expected based on previous drops, it hasn’t been confirmed yet. Stay tuned for more updates.
