Saddle Up: A Second Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT “Year Of The Horse” Appears

Nike’s Lunar New Year offerings for 2026 are shaping up to be a strong one, and no lineup feels more deliberate than what’s coming out of Kobe Brand. While the return of the original Kobe 8 “Year Of The Horse” Protro will rightfully grab headlines, it’s the EXT variants that quietly push the silhouette into entirely new territory.

Joining a previously previewed pair in black, this latest Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT “Year Of The Horse” stands out dramatically, leaning heavily on premium materials and thematic storytelling, moving further from its performance roots and closer to a lifestyle-forward interpretation of the model. Where traditional Kobe 8s relied on engineered mesh and court feel, this EXT edition flips the script with a full Light Orewood Brown suede upper, immediately giving the shoe a richer, more tactile presence.

Ventilated cutouts along the quarter panels maintain the familiar Kobe 8 geometry, while molded sections at the toe, eyestays, and heel help retain the structure beneath the plush suede. Baroque Brown pony hair Swooshes land on the lateral side, extending onto the lining and medial branding for a cohesive, elevated look that reinforces the EXT designation.

At the heel, Nike replaces the usual TPU counter with a stitched Ocean Cube suede panel, adding contrast and texture without disrupting the shoe’s flowing shape. Underfoot, the outsole transitions from Ocean Cube to Red Stardust, giving the traditionally understated Kobe 8 tooling a bold, celebratory finish. Rounding out the details are branded metal horseshoe lace dubraes, a subtle but effective nod to the Year Of The Horse theme.

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro EXT “Year Of The Horse” does not yet have a confirmed release date or retail price, but with its premium construction and distinct design, it’s already shaping up to be one of the more unexpected Kobe releases tied to Lunar New Year 2026.

Stay tuned for updates via our real-time Nike Release Dates Calendar as more information becomes available.