A Closer Look at the Wild Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What The”

Twelve years after its debut, the Nike Kobe 8 “What The” is set to join the Protro lineup in 2025. Following speculation earlier this year, we finally have the juiciest look yet at this much hyped release. Slated to drop in April, the design of this sneaker encapsulates the essence of the Kobe 8 series, merging a variety of colours and patterns from the line into a single, eye catching sneaker.

Like most Protro versions of Kobe’s signature kicks, the “What The” Kobe 8 sticks to its 2013 roots with a wild update. Building on the mashup theme of the "What The" series, it looks like they threw 30 of the most iconic Kobe 8 colourways in a blender and poured out the result on these sneakers: the left shoe rocks blues and purples, while the right goes all in on greens and reds.

With a semi translucent outsole and flashy reflective 3M "Nike" branding on the left shoe’s medial panel, these kicks are anything but subtle. The right shoe rocks an Electric Orange base with a Volt Swoosh, while the left flips the script with a Deep Night base and Electric Orange Swoosh.

The "What The" Kobe 8 stands as one of the most sought after silhouettes in the entire Kobe series. When it dropped in 2013, resell prices shot up to nearly four times retail, proving sneakerheads couldn’t get enough. Fast forward to the early 2020s, and after Kobe’s passing, the demand for his kicks went through the roof. Now, the reintroduction of this celebrated design is part of Vanessa Bryant and Nike’s ongoing effort to preserve Kobe’s legacy.

By re-releasing iconic sneakers like the Kobe 8 Protro “What The,” Nike is not only honouring Kobe’s unforgettable impact on the basketball world but also introducing his influential designs to a new generation of fans.

Mark your calendars; the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What The” is rumoured to hit shelves on April 13, 2025, celebrating “Mamba Day” in true style. Smash that bell and we'll let you know when these drop.