The Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT “Year of the Horse” will release on April 24, 2026. A premium lifestyle take on one of Kobe Bryant’s most celebrated silhouettes, this pair expands Nike’s growing 2026 Lunar New Year lineup with a material-driven build that takes the Kobe 8 in a new direction. The retail price is $200.
Quick Facts
Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT “Year of the Horse”
Color: Light Orewood Brown/Summit White-Red Stardust-Baroque Brown
Release Date: April 24, 2026
Style Code: IM1820-100
Price: $200
Where to Buy: Nike
More Info: Nike Release Dates
Nike’s 2026 Kobe lineup continues to honor Mamba’s legacy, and the EXT “Year of the Horse” will debut in April. It is worth noting that this is actually the second “Year of the Horse” Kobe 8 Nike has delivered in 2026. The EXT version goes in a completely different direction.
Bryant was well known for his passionate connection to China and its fanbase. The late basketball legend frequently visited China for Nike promo tours and during a handful of overseas NBA and Olympic games. In 2009, he established the Kobe Bryant China Fund charity, and in a 2017 interview, he said China was “like a second home.”
This Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT is a premium lifestyle build that puts materials front and center. A Light Orewood Brown suede upper provides a muted base, while molded overlays reinforce structure at the toe and eyelets. Baroque Brown pony hair Swooshes and lining allow for a unique look.
Metallic Gold details add some pop, which is otherwise confined to a Red snakeskin-printed insole. A Gold horseshoe laced dubrae lands on the tongue, tying the zodiac inspiration together. The look is completed with Gold on Kobe’s signature logo and trimming.
More Nike Kobe 8 Releases
Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT Year of the Horse Release Date
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT “Year of the Horse” will be released on April 24th, 2026, at select Nike Basketball retailers, including Nike.com. The retail price is $200. Continue to scroll below for more photos for a closer look.
Bottom Line
Between the bold “Year of the Horse” theme and the EXT’s premium twist, it feels different from the usual Kobe drops. Not everyone will be into the materials or the shift away from pure performance, but that uniqueness is what gives the pair its identity. I’d rather have something that stands out and takes a risk than another safe, forgettable colorway.
Frequently Asked Questions
While exact stock numbers usually aren’t confirmed, EXT releases and themed Kobe drops tend to be more limited than general releases.
The EXT version typically leans more lifestyle-focused, using premium materials like suede or leather instead of engineered mesh.
Images: yyt_snkrs