I MISS THIS SHOE... A LOT: Nike Kobe 8 System

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Hey Guys! Today we take a break from new releases and take a look back at a shoe Chris misses quite a bit. The Nike Kobe 8 System.
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[@tonymcfarlane1941]

Keep the Kobe content coming Nightwing…not gonna lie that’s really all I check out on your channel…his shoes are debatable but it’s the best if not 2nd to Jordan Brand in terms of performance and popularity. Nike needs to get their stuff together and bring them back soon! Moreover, you’re reviews make me buy the Kobe 1 protro’s and the Kobe 4 protro’s so thanks for that!

[@KamOmar91]

Kobe 8s and 9s were hands down my favorite shoes of all time. Literally had close to ten pairs of each. Have since busted thru all of em. If they are indeed droppn protos... I'ma buy em all. Haha. Thanks for the content brother!

[@zigga967]

i have a pair of tens that are being held together by spit n glue... lol

[@jacobh1412]

Kobe 8’s my favorite shoe to hoop in of all time!! Wish they were available today. Gonna miss your performance reviews man, end of an era!! Been watching since you had < 10k subscribers and never bought a shoe without getting your input first ✊

[@patridiculous]

Kobe 8 "pit viper" was one of my favorites all time🔥

[@ShareKoLangPh]

I got the same cw. Best cw for me 👍

[@SkoolyDaGoat]

I have that pair.

[@kensheelabay2512]

Those were my first legit ball shoes 💯

[@wendelllabandilo2155]

Yes sir, they were 🔥

[@SlyAngel911]

I had these ones, they broke, I've bought them again later. Best shoes I had.

[@therealmarcc.2529]

I seriously miss playing in the Kobe 8. God, I loved playing in that shoe. I had the Christmas from 2012 and 2013. I also had the Blitz Blue colorway. I’ll surely cop the Protro version.

[@waynerichards3886]

React Drop in midsole with zoom air would be perfection. The Nike Kobe 8 is hands down the best basketball shoe I have ever played in.

[@alanyamamoto5765]

That's my guess too

[@toxicgamer8100]

But react is heavy

[@thekenfern8]

The protro line is just hands down one of the better performance shoes Nike has to offer. Just wish they were available year round, just like what we have with the Jordan retros Also, Kobe 1s man, just straight beasts to play in 🔥

[@yubapofan]

The kobe 8 is still probably my favorite basketball shoe to hoop in. And i remember back when u literally had like every colorway of this shoe. Crazy how ive been watching u high school and i have since graduated college a while ago now. Keep it up Nightwing

[@joshy0606xD]

Had my car stolen in 2015 with my Kobe 8’s in them from playing the night before and when they found the car totaled, this was the only thing I wanted to retrieve, but they were gone. This vid hurts to watch so much b/c this was my favorite shoe to ball in ever! Even had them in the yellow and blacks. Thanks for a trip down memory lane! Such an amazing shoe; the resale market on these is just so disgusting.

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

I want the removable insoles to stay but I want it to come with one option and then have two more options available to buy. I would do a full length ZoomX version, ZoomX with forefoot and heel zoom units, and a cushlon plus zoom.

[@vincentphung1281]

Nike can go any of these paths: 1. Zoom strobel + cushlon + molding insole (similar to KD15) 2. Zoom strobel + react drop-in (very probable, since the design of the Kobe 8 gives this setup more support and less weight, compared to the GT Cut 1&2) 3. Zoom strobel + react (might be too unstable) 4. Zoom turbo in the forefoot + cushlon 5. Goes crazy and put zoom strobel + zoom forefoot unit + cushlon (AJ36 setup) I have thought of the LeBron 20's setup, but the Kobe 8 is too slim to cram those huge zoom units and cushlon inside. I couldn't afford basketball shoes back then, I'd love to grab any pair of Kobe now. Hopefully!

[@jogavolei]

The Kobe 6 and on forward were such a popular/noteworthy performance shoe that they took over the men's volleyball game (amateur and professional/olympic) as one of the most sought after shoes ever. Nike even took the 6 or 7 base and made a volleyball shoe out of it. Truly a great shoe. My all-time favorite!

[@kylemazur1447]

Another shoe that has interchangeable cushioning recently that gave me nostalgia about these is the Nike offline slippers. They come with two different cushions in box that you can switch out.

[@megadethfist]

I love Kobe 6-8’s the most. As much as I want an Easter / Christmas 8 or What The 8 to protro, I would also love a Shark 7 or Galaxy 7 protro to happen too! 🤞🏼for both

[@djjpogi]

This was literally my personal favorite Kobe. I know people like the 6s and 5s even the 9s but easily this was mine that I bought every colorway cept for the super expensive ones like the what the Kobe….but all the general release ones….had to get em

[@djjpogi]

I regret selling my pairs 😞 never thought I wouldn’t be able to get a Pro-tro

[@michelveraliot]

Keep the Kobe content would love to see a review of all Kobe's Also a review of all years of Jordan's 1 (1985, 1994, 2001, 2010 to modern day) maybe an history episode and comparaison

[@WearTesters]

We have reviewed all Kobe’s except the 2 & 3.

[@michelveraliot]

@@WearTesters thanks for the information it's a pleasure to have a reply from you and i will check that out :)) Have a good day Nightwing

[@D2ffid]

This is the one I miss the most too. It was so light with such a great court feel. Lots of games played in these. Purple gradient colorway. :)

[@LondonRagasa]

Great content as always. Kobe 8 falls into the top 3 all time Kobe signatures ✅

[@gdzila33]

Definitely waiting for it although i actually wanna see what Nike could do if they done a Kobe VII protro since that shoe was great looking but the Kobe System wasn't fully matured yet. On the Kobe VIII protro im kinda hoping for full length zoom strobel with react/cushlon drop ins or maybe full foam setup react+lunar combo dropins like the NXT 360, i prefer those over Kobe 5/6 protro setup cause the cushlon in the heel is way too soft for me

[@ScarveGuitarist]

I would like to see them do something like the GT Cut with a zoom and a react drop ins or something new with the drop ins at least

[@jaimeolaya6899]

First video I saw on your channel was for the kobe 8 gc, that was so long ago. Those bring back so many memories.

[@mrnailman1]

It's crazy I bought them Kobe's due to your original Kobe sneaker reviews back in the day, dam you've come a long way

[@variandavid377]

That’s an interesting question your proposed. Hmmm….Jodi’s suggestion is intriguing. If they make it a solid shoe and not a drop in, it could allow for cushion midsole and forefoot and back zoom or a zoom stroble. If they keep the drop in …maybe a React drop in (with Zoom air) or a Zoom X drop in….and a Cushlon drop in with full length zoom?

[@noserainTV]

i clearly remember when this shoe came out I started watching your videos heavily. the kobe 8 had so many clean colorways. i loved playing in them

[@jave6732]

Liking this vid cause i remember i sold mine for below retail just to get enough budget to buy the Kobe 8 Purple Gradient. Man i do hope they’ll release the 8’s soon. My favourite on all Kobe’s of all time.

[@amrbasri68]

Me toooo. I owned the red and white pair of 8s. Excellent performance. Lightweight. Flexible agile.

[@jasonlow4243]

I remember as a kid I wanted a pair so badly but couldn’t afford em. Not to mentioned most colorways were SITTING in stores and even went to outlets. Good times. If they really protro these I would try to get every colorways possible especially the Easters and What The

[@kap0no22]

Still got my custom Kobe 8s and the year of the horse colorway. Don’t play in them because old, but still love having them!

[@KuyaRufio]

Been a part of Nightwing2303 crew for a longtime and so happy you did a video of my favorite hoop shoe. I also originally didn't Iike the pit viper colorway, but it's easily my favorite ball shoe of all time. Cushioned, but still great courtfeel. Been a real one, since day one!

[@longtimeonholly4114]

I remember getting the Christmas Kobe 8 with the spikes back in 6th grade, Kobe 8 and kd 6 will always be my in my top 3

[@briankindred7601]

A Kobe 8 Protro with a full length zoom strobel would be sweet! I’d take the drop in cushlon too. I think a Kobe 2 Protro and 3 Protro needs to happen soon. Definitely a full length zoom strobel for those also.

[@toxicgamer8100]

Not a zoom strobel but a full length zoom unit on the drop in midsole

[@SuperGear360]

Back in the day when i was playing in these, i felt really really fast. I could spin move easily. When i wanted to move quickly i would wear the 8s, i have the graffiti btw, and still have then in the rack but the soles are already busted. J would switch from kobe 8 to kyrie hyperrev back in the days. Good memories.

[@SANTANA1deep]

Same. The 8 we're one of the best performers of the line. I am still mad that somebody "borrowed" my college color way PE Kobe 8's for 4 months, and wore them to the Carbon fiber. And had the nerve to act like he didn't wear them out.

[@TheAnton1972]

GOD! ONE OF THE BEST SHOES! my Pythons are still w me.. in its OG box.. a treasure., RIP KOBE

[@snakejohnfan2]

I still have these, I played in them so much indoor and outdoor there is no more grip on the bottom, my favorite shoes to play in

[@elijahdelacruz3204]

For a Protro, they could do a drop in React foam, like what they did for the Kobe AD NXT 360. A React drop in plus maybe a zoom air unit underneath the heel of the foam similar to the Kobe 11 Elite. Or maybe even a full length zoom strobel plus React drop in like the Zoom GT Cut. Cause wasn’t that the intention of the Zoom GT cut (especially the first model) to be a modern take on Kobe’s line, as the Kobes served as a design inspiration for those.

[@ericng9632]

I see them going to 6 proto method. With that said, I will be in trouble when they come back... This video damn near brought a tear I miss these so much.

[@padjaknipepe5761]

Still got the “mine gray” with sole sep though. But the 8s are my fave Kobe shoes.

[@retrobjordan]

Seems like you love Kobe’s sneaker line! I remembered when these dropped. There where like 7-8 different colorways. But I just didn’t like the colors or patterns. I tried my friends pair on before and they were super comfy with thick thick insole. I remember Nike had a special addition upgrade to the sneakers that were packaged different. Nike should release them again with the same technology. Thanks weartesters!! I love low top basketball sneakers. Mids are okay. That’s why I lived Kobe lines so much. I think he said he loved soccers and wanted a sneaker similar to them. Thanks for being a 90’s sneaker head who shows love to the Jordan’s, Lebron, Kobe and even iverson and pennys. Which Hardaway is my favorite line by far!

[@flyvanguard24]

More of these videos please!!! Love looking back and appreciating the shoes we already have

[@proby92]

Kobe 8 Blue glow is my favorite shoe of all time. I never bought the 9’s because my 8’s were still working. I say Nike does a react drop in midsole with a zoom Strobel they basically already have that shoes but not with the Kobe 8 aesthetic

[@christopherrevilla6478]

Crazy to say it’s been a decade since the release of the Nike Kobe 8 ! I think a full zoom lunarlon insert would be a nice upgrade . Hopefully they produce enough pairs for all to get easily .

[@micah32mitchell]

These with the lebron 11 full length zoom insole was the greatest!

[@sw1ck]

my modern drop in: zoomx carrier with a zoom turbo unit in the forefoot and a heel zoom unit, Maximum Zoom

[@terrencerefendor2409]

i miss the purple gradients, pit vipers, and them sulfur joints this batch of models were great performers kobe 8 and kd 5 ( painful break in time tho).

[@anthonyquinonez159]

All star 8’s had a stiff midsole(think it was phylon)with the Nike plus chip. Had heel zoom. The elite pairs had a phylon midsole with forefoot and heel zoom. I have 4 8’s that are still good. Lunarlon midsoles bottomed out a bit but I use the elite midsole to hoop in them. I’ve had to reglue some of them because they paint the inside of the outsole which is bad for the glue to adhere over time. But once you glue them in they’re good to hoop in again. I wouldn’t mind a stiffer cushlon or softer phylon midsole with zoom turbo in the forefoot to keep it going or keep it simple decent forefoot and heel zoom like the elite 8’s midsole.

[@philgranderson576]

I need them kobe 9 elites to come back by far my favorite

[@vincenttyler4667]

The 9 is my favorite because he tore his Achilles in the eight and the 9 compensated for that and the stitching is just iconic

[@aaronmaupin1806]

I think the Kobe 8 protein will have Nike zoom in the heal and forefoot. Definitely a drop in midsole because that’s a main thing that made the 8 so light and special to a lot of people. I also think they could do something like the GT Cut. Put a full length Nike zoom on the bottom and also have zoom pods in the drop in as well. Those are just my thoughts on what they could do

[@TimKyoutube]

Dude, gotta do the 9 elite lows! Thanks for the vid

[@Noctis198]

Still hope they Protro the 7s even these and the 6s are my favorites

[@LordBass10]

Maybe they will make it like the gt cuts and put a zoom stroble with a drop in middle sole again. I remember during the system era they did sell extra mid soles. Hopefully they bring that back bc they would make bank just off separate drop ins.

[@MACN_XX3]

Zoom strobel with drop in. The Kobe 360 nxt and Kobe 11 em had drop ins as well.

[@jeremymuir4332]

I'd absolutely still wear the Kobe 8s, they were so comfortable never mind the performance. A drop in with a zoom bag in the front would be perfect.

[@Yooooo91]

I remember seeing the commercial for the first color way (yellow and black) instant cop

[@richmck007]

It’s 2024 and after one repair, I still have these. Bought them new in 2017 if my memory is good.

[@iuhoosiers14]

Love the older Kobe’s I just recently got the galaxy sevens and the London Fireberry sevens also have the Black History Month eights in the shark sevens and the year of the snake eighths

[@thegodards]

My favorite shoes to play in all time (and socks!)… Mrs Bryant need to follow through with holding Nike up to the task of making the shoes fans want and available… can’t they do pre-order only, make sure it’s one address only,and just give people what they want!

[@mainsourcery]

I had a pair of Kobe 8 iD’s. Man……those were great to hoop in.

[@cashclothes9947]

We need the option to purchase the drop in insoles seperately with different variations in tech. Maybe one with cushlon, and one like the Kobe 8 Elite that had heel and fourfoot zoom, but as long as its not expensive like 40 bucks for something that cost Nike $2 to make

[@treyjay9560]

I really wish Nike would start releasing Kobe's through retail again. SNKRS isn't available in Canada, so I have to look for the resale market if I want a pair of Kobe's, and we all know how that goes.

[@rologic24]

Had those in the Christmas SS and those were beautiful and comfortable.

[@luker.6799]

The Shed Skins 8 pulled me back in the shoe game. Still got 'em and wear 'em.

[@benbarker9577]

Need to see a video of those new Hardens, they look so fresh 😍

[@TheTHEMEYO]

Miss those too, the best shoes ever for me.

[@Simon_E32]

For whatever reason, the Kobe 8 and Kobe 9 were my favorite shoes to wear as a big man during my high school days, along with the soldier 6. Good times.

[@vi77ain7s2]

Man I loved that shoe. I had the sulfur, the blue and gray, the red and black, the volt and gray, oh and I had the socks too lol. I loved playing ball in them as well. Only low tops I ever played basketball in. 🐍

[@FilipinoPride10]

I bought the Wade 808 2 Ultras because it reminded me of these Kobes.

[@johnegbert2330]

good luck on the sulphurs, ebay got my size 11 DS for like $1k plus. I got them retail when they came out and trashed them lol

[@maodamadman3867]

the Kobe 8 had some really cool coloraways, my favorite Kobe was the Kobe 7 and 8 elite. not too many peole remember those, they came in black and gold colorway and a white and gold colorway, Nike made those as Kobe's shoes for post season play. they also did elite pairs for KD and Lebron as well. I wish Nike never stopped the Elite line, it was always very cool to me.

[@johnnycage435]

I had those the were like beefier & exposed fly wire I had the green kind though

[@noeldelapena3295]

My favorite kobe of all time!!! Hope the protro has a full zoom air. Like what i did before. I had the lebron 11s drop in on mine. It was awesome!!

[@00SingleSeven]

Still rocking kobe 11 em, indoor only. It's on last leg but still grips better new shoes. Dust ain't an issue

[@vizard350z]

Would do anything for a Kobe 8 retro. Wasn't able to afford them as a teen when they came out.

[@underretail6050]

Full length zoom stroble and drop in lunar midsole ala GT Cut and Gt cut 2.0 + Flyweave or fly knit upper = greatest sneaker of all time or top 5 mixed in with the Jordan XX9 or Jordan 34 or Kobe 7 elite and KD9

[@joshuathomasrosarda9198]

If this one will be PROTRO’d, I hope they’ll give it a ZOOM Strobel and a React insert. Kinda like the ZOOM GT Cut, but without the ZOOM unit in the forefoot. If not, I’d like it to have a React drop-in midsole with a full-length zoom unit. One could only dream 💭 🤩👟

[@adriangarcia7029]

I remember back in 2013 I got obsessed with the blue glow colorway.

[@SkinnyJay]

They'll make a full length zoom drop in. My kobe11 ID I used the full length zoom drop in option. That's my guess anyway. I've used that drop-in in other shoes often, extended the life of my hyperchase

[@Rxbb_t]

Man!! I regret hooping on my ASG 8s, the packaging and everything was dope but man those were the best hooping shoes ever for me

[@activist5741]

I think if Nike protros the Kobe 8, they HAVE to do the drop in, whatever they desire foam/zoom wise is up in the air but you gotta keep the drop in

[@Junzstylemadapaka]

I still got the Kobe 8 Sulfur and purple gradient. I’ve been hooping in them alternately for the last 10 years and they are still surprisingly in good condition.

[@by_run]

Awesome video as always. 👌🏽 If It would be an “upgrade,” zoom should be there. Full length zoom would be 🔥

[@tuckermorris5098]

I think the protro will just add zoom air in some way. As long as nothing on the outside changes, I'll be buying whatever they put out

[@jbsstg4111]

The blitz blue was def my fav, wit the mambacurial a close second.

[@RawBe3f]

If they protro the 8, I want full length zoom strobel with zoom units on the forefoot and heel. Simple, yet perfect. Though just saying, my favorite Kobe is actually the 9 Brave Blue

[@HoopSensei]

The Kobe 8 was my very first NikeID. Wore them to death on court. Can’t believe I sold them. Such a good shoe

[@xxraverxxonxtacy]

Love the 8s, Purple Platinums and Pythons are 🔥

[@MambaKicksLA]

Yes!!! Nike!! Where are you guys at and when are you releasing more Kobe’s!!!!!!!! Even adidas messed up this past weeks Crazy 1 drop smh.. Kobe 8 and Kobe 6 great to ball in!!

[@emmanuelc1687]

Love your content! Kobe 8’s 1 of my faves. Would love for them to bring back the What The…? 8’s!!

[@mateosramirez2857]

Maybe they keep the drop in but go with react and maybe throw some zoom in that drop in as well

[@magiccityalex]

Love the Kobe 8 my only issue with them was the tongue was too thin and hard and it would rub & irritated my shins….would love to see more padding there

[@jbsstg4111]

Id def cop a sulfur if I come across one, they look dope on Kobe’s feet, didn’t grab em when they first released. The 8 had so many fire color ways.

[@russell0627]

I feel the Protro 8 should have a GT Cut 1 setup with the full length zoom air and react insole.

[@FallenRaven]

I also had a Nike iD of these shoes. I can’t remember where they are now. I hope I still have them at my mom’s house..

[@DariousK1NG1]

I was never able to get a pair of these. I would still love to try them. I think the protro’s will have a different drop in and probably do flyknit or something instead of the EM

[@jonathanperez-oz6zf]

Honestly, if they release a Protro Kobe 8, I'm thinking maybe a Full length React Drop-in Midsole or maybe Cushlon drop-in (wouldn't that be something) like the GT Cuts or the Converse BB Evo but not as low profile as the Converse BB Evo. IMO because if you think about it the Kobe Protros 1, 5, and 6 already had Zoom air in it, Nike implemented the Zoom Air better in the Protros. Where as the 4s updated the cushion from Lunarlon to Cushlon in the forefoot. So maybe Cushlon but I wouldn't be surprised if it was React either.

[@guo-yuhan2176]

Kobe 8 Elite was my fav basketball shoe I've ever had. I'm definitely cop with those Protros no matter what.

[@tbonefreak07]

Just wore my Kobe 8 ss Christmas kicks the other day w/ the scales yellowing and the shoes talking to me a little bit. Would love to see a protro w/ a thin zoom air drop in. However, I wouldn't be able to get it anyway since I've missed every one since he's passed 🥹

[@mikey1220]

These are the best Kobe’s. Can’t wait for a protro!

[@OwenAS18]

With the drop in midsole I hope they do something like the gt cut 2 and add zoom units in the fore foot and heel. It keeps it like the original but still protro-ing it and adding new tech

[@vincenttyler4667]

I love the drop in insole. I the it's the prelude 8 getting protro