Nike Basketball is gearing up to open the floodgates on the Kobe line. After a bit of a drought, the brand has just announced its next Kobe drop, the Kobe 8 Protro “Halo,” which will kick off a new series of annual releases.
Vanessa Bryant and Nike created the “Halo” concept to honor Kobe Bryant’s birthday, August 23rd. Every year for the foreseeable future, Nike will use the all-white “Halo” colorway to debut a new Kobe Protro model. One of the reasons for choosing all-white, besides it being a pure and angelic color, is that Kobe really wanted people to wear his shoes and not just have it on display. Any dirt marks or scuffs will stand out on in the all-white colorway, showing who actually hooped in the shoe and put the work in.
This year, the colorway is used to debut the Kobe 8 Protro, a performance retro version of Kobe Bryant’s eighth signature shoe with the Swoosh. Like previous Protros, the Kobe 8 Protro looks the same as the original Nike Kobe 8, though modifications have been made to update to current technology innovations. One key update on the Kobe 8 Protro is the addition of Nike React foam, which replaces the original Lunarlon drop-in midsole to improve comfort, durability, and responsiveness. Some cosmetic differences on the Kobe 8 Protro “Halo” specifically are the use of embroidery on the Swoosh and the Sheath logo on the tongue, as well as a repeating Sheath logo around the midsole.
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Halo” is releasing alongside a matching apparel collection that includes a t-shirt and hoodie. They feature the Kobe Sheath logo on the chest, “Black Mamba” on the sleeves stylized like Kobe’s tattoos, and the numbers 8 and 24 on the back to honor how Kobe is the only player in NBA history to have two retired numbers by the same team.
The “Halo” series is only one component of the Nike Kobe line relaunch. Though yet to be officially announced, there are also plans to release other Kobe sneakers such as the Kobe 6 Protro “Reverse Grinch.”
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Halo” and apparel drops on Wednesday, August 23rd on SNKRS and at select retailers. Check out the collection below.
Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Halo”
Color: White/White-White
Style Code: FJ9364-100
Release Date: August 23, 2023
Price: $180 USD
Nike Kobe Mamba Halo Hoody
Style Code: HF6454-100
Release Date: August 23, 2023
Price: $70 USD
Nike Kobe Mamba Halo T-Shirt
Style Code: HF6453-100 (Men’s), HF6461-100 (Kids’)
Release Date: August 23, 2023
Price: $40 USD (Men’s), $30 USD (Kids’)
