In two weeks, on what would have been Mamba’s 45th birthday, Kobe Bryant’s new shoe, the Protro 8, will be out, and right now, we’re getting a glimpse at the Vanessa Bryant-designed Nike model.
Just a day after Vanessa teased fans with a silhouette of the “Halo” kicks on social media, the footwear and apparel giant launched the sneakers on Thursday.
Vanessa apparently contributed to the design of the sneakers honoring Kobe on his birthday, which is August 23.
FYI, the kicks are an updated edition of Kobe’s eighth signature shoe, which originally dropped in 2012. It marks the second release from Kobe’s line (the Kobe 4 Protro “Mamabacitas” were released in May) since the family reconciled their relationship with the Swoosh last year.
Of course, the previous contract between Kobe and Nike expired in April 2021 … after the sides were unable to reach a new, long-term deal. But, Vanessa and Nike execs ultimately struck a deal, and that’s great news for Kobe’s millions of fans.
“This will be one of many Kobe 8 ‘Halo’ styles coming soon,” Vanessa wrote this week.
The retail price for the Halos will range from $80 (kids sizes) to $180 (men’s sizes) … and will be available on Nike’s app on August 23.
