'Year of the Horse' Nike Kobe 8 Is Returning in January

In addition to the rerelease of the "81 Points" Kobe 1, a popular Kobe 8 makeup is expected to join next year's lineup with the "Year of the Horse" colorway returning in 2026.

According to Sneaker Files and @zSneakerheadz on Instagram, the "Year of the Horse" Kobe 8 will release in Protro form in Spring '26. The style was first released in 2014 to commemorate the Lunar New Year and the year's Chinese zodiac animal.

Leaked images of the purported "Year of the Horse" Kobe 8 Protro have yet to surface and the sneaker shown above is the original 2014 version. The upcoming version is expected to be identical to the '14 pair that featured a predominantly red color scheme combined with a yellow Swoosh on the sides and a blue sockliner and outsole.

Currently, a firm release date for the "Year of the Horse" Kobe 8 Protro hasn't been announced by Nike. Stay tuned for official updates, including a first look, in the months ahead.

UPDATE (08/05): Retail sources have confirmed to Complex that next year's Kobe 8 Protro "Year of the Horse" will arrive on Jan. 31. Expect official updates to arrive in the coming months.