Nike Kobe 8 Protro Shanghai Fireworks First Look

One of the more valuable Nike Kobes hails from Kobe Bryant‘s annual summer tours of China. The Kobe 8 “Fireworks” originally released in 2013 as a China-exclusive, and both its rarity and dazzling upper have led to resale prices hitting the $2,000 range. Soon, however, those who want a pair will have a chance at a much more reasonable price.

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Shanghai Fireworks” will release later this year as a remastered version of the sneaker with much wider availability. An in-hand image provides the first look at the forthcoming variant, and its totally true to the original but for an icy blue outsole that will better ward off yellowing. Otherwise, the sparkling print engineered mesh is recreated precisely with a black Swoosh, yellow heel stabilizer and midsole and orange lining.

Protro updates to the Kobe 8 come in the form of a React foam midsole replacing the Lunarlon used previously and an updated herringbone pattern on the midsole for better traction. Released in 2012, the original shoe was designed by Eric Avar and was the lightest in the line at the time. Bryant requested a shoe that felt like an extension of his foot, and Avar obliged by making the Kobe 8 lower than any previous models.

This year, the Kobe 8 Protro has released with an Air Force 1 Low for the “Siempre Hermanos” pack celebrating Bryant’s friendship with Pau Gasol and got a reissue for its “Year of the Horse” edition. A previous mash-up with the Mercurial soccer boot dubbed the “Mambacurial” is expected to launch around the World Cup, and next year will also bring the return of the “Easter” variant.

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Shanghai Fireworks” will release during the holiday season through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $200.