Nike Basketball and Vanessa Bryant are re-releasing the iconic Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Mambacurial", originally launched in 2013.
Even though it is too early to talk about an official release date, we have information about a new Nike Kobe model that is set to release in 2026. According to several industry sources, it appears the brand is bringing back the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Mambacurial". The information was published exclusively on Sneaker Market.
The 2026 release comes with product code IO6253-500 and the "Red Plum/Electric Green/Pink Flash" color scheme. Given the color blocking, it is clear that this is the famous Kobe 8 "Mambacurial", inspired by his passion for soccer. The pair celebrates 13 years since the original 2013 release. For now, Nike has not yet confirmed the release rumors. In general, the brand avoids confirming rumors about upcoming limited-edition drops in the near future. We will most likely find out more details about the release starting during the Summer of 2026.
When is Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacurial” releasing?
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Mambacurial" is releasing during Fall 2026 on Nike.com and at select Nike Basketball partner stores. For now, the brand has not yet confirmed an exact release date. However, we already know that the pair is part of the Nike Fall 2026 seasonal lineup. As a result, we expect the model to release between July and September. Check out images of the 2013 version below while we wait for more details about the 2026 release.
On another note, the Caitlin Clark x Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Rookie of the Year" is releasing in 2026.
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Vlad Ciutacu is a writer based in The Hague, Netherlands. He has been working in the footwear industry for more than a decade, with hundreds of pairs in his collection. His favourite models are the Air Jordan 1 and the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro. Find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
