Kobe Bryant’s Nike Kobe 8 ‘What the Kobe’ Could Return in 2025

Nike is set to re-release the iconic Kobe Bryant's Nike Kobe 8 “What the Kobe” in the summer of 2025. Originally launched in 2013, this highly sought-after sneaker will return, sparking excitement among fans and collectors.

Nike to Accelerate Production of Kobe Sneakers with Iconic 'What the Kobe' Returning in 2025

According to Footwear News, Nike has steadily increased its production of Kobe signature sneakers since it formed a new partnership with Vanessa Bryant, the widow of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, in March 2022. The "Girl Dad" Kobe 4 and "Mambacita" Kobe 8 have recently contributed to the sluggish trickle, but the pace will continue to accelerate in 2025.

The anticipation is high as one of the most highly sought-after Nike Kobe footwear of all time is expected to come back next year, according to preliminary information shared on X by insider @brandon1an. The Nike Kobe 8 “What the Kobe,” a true icon in the sneaker world, initially released in December 2013, will be reintroduced in Protro guise during the summer of 2025, as per the account. It needs to be determined whether the pair will be a one-to-one replication of the 2013 version or feature new hues due to the advance leak, adding to the excitement and mystery surrounding this re-release.

The Nike SB Dunk Low "What the Dunk" was the first product to introduce Nike's "What the" theme in 2007. The innovative concept combined panels, colors, and elements from 31 of the most popular previous Nike SB Dunk releases to produce an eye-catching and unique mismatched colorway. Since its 2007 release, the "What the Dunk" has become increasingly rare and is being resold for $24,000. It was highly restricted.

Nike's 'What the Kobe' Designs Remain Coveted, Highlighting Kobe Bryant's Innovative Protro Series

In 2012, Nike revisited the concept with the "What the Kobe" Kobe 7, which was followed by the Kobe 8 in 2013, following the success of the "What the Dunk." The multicolor treatment was also applied to other signature footwear from this era of Nike Basketball, such as those owned by Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Nike has since reduced the frequency of "What the" designs, but the Kobe 8 remains coveted years later. Some pairs were more well-received than others.

Bryant's Nike Protro series was launched in February 2018 as a "performance retro" line that enhanced his previous footwear with contemporary technologies. Bryant stated in a 2018 press release that "Protro is about evolution and improving on things that were," Bryant said in a 2018 press release. "I wanted to build a business that wasn't just based on things I have done in the past. It is important that the brand stands for performance and that everything we do is innovative, even if we are releasing shoes from the past they still must be built on performance."

The 2013 Nike Kobe 8 "What the Kobe" is in short supply on the market, with only a few pairs available on platforms like StockX and GOAT. The average sale price is approximately $1,300. Nike Kobe 8 "What the Kobe" (2013).