NBA
Nike Unveils New Kobe Bryant 8 Protro Sneaker Designed by Vanessa Bryant
A new Kobe Bryant sneaker from Nike is coming out in less than two weeks, and the footwear is something both personal and special.
Due out August 23, on what would’ve been the late basketball player’s 45th birthday, the Kobe 8 Protro Halo concept was imagined and created by his widow, Vanessa Bryant, Nike said in an announcement Thursday.
“The Halo concept will be an annual release that will honor and celebrate this special date,” the company said. On Wednesday, Vanessa offered a teaser about the Kobe 8 Protro Halo via an Instagram post. It featured a stylish black-and-white clip of a sneaker slowly touching a basketball.
Nike took to X, the company formerly known as Twitter, to also announce the Kobe 8 Protro Halo Thursday. “The legacy continues. The Kobe Protro 8 ‘Halo’ marks the continuation of a storied legacy, pairing a triple white colorway with the iconic Kobe 8 silhouette, embodying the timelessness of an icon never forgotten,” the statement read.
The legacy continues.
The Kobe Protro 8 ‘Halo’ marks the continuation of a storied legacy, pairing a triple white colorway with the iconic Kobe 8 silhouette, embodying the timelessness of an icon never forgotten.
Arriving globally August 23 in SNKRS. Download the App to get… pic.twitter.com/Lr0WS4DlKM
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) August 10, 2023
“The Mamba League Invitational invites eight teams of the most talented high school players in L.A. to compete, both men and women, and concludes with the championship game on Mamba Day – August 24,” added Nike.
Additionally, the shoe giant will donate all of the net proceeds from the Gianna shoe sales to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, reported the outlet.
Vanessa Bryant Enjoys Fun-Filled Vacation in Spain with Her Daughters
The late athlete joined Swift, 33, on stage when she performed at the Staples Center in 2015. During the Eras show, Vanessa wore a blue denim jacket with the word “Swiftie” on top that featured a photo of Swift and Kobe from that night.
The “Dress” singer also hugged Bianka on the edge of the stage during her “22” performance and placed her black bowler “22” hat on the little girl’s head. “We love you @taylorswift ❤️,” Vanessa captioned an Instagram post of the sweet interaction afterward.