New: Nike Kobe VIII Protro ‘Halo’

Mamba Forever.

There are days that I can’t still accept the fact the Kobe Bean Bryant has been taken from us far too soon. While a lot of my friends know that I’m not Kobe’s number 1 fan, I do respect his game, what he’s done on and off the court and the great stories about the Mamba continue to roll on. Just like everyone else, I was a bit surprised the Kobe line took a break for a few months as Vanessa and Nike, Inc. tried to figure out the best possible scenario to continue Kobe’s legacy.

As we celebrate Kobe’s birthday the other day, the Kobe line has officially relaunched, this time with a ‘Halo’ rendition of the Kobe 8 Protro. The pristine triple white pair were once worn by Kobe back in the day but seems ultimately fitting as we begin this next chapter. The ‘Halo’ will be an annual release that will continue to honor and celebrate Bryant and his legacy.

For this Protro rendition, Nike Basketball replaced the Lunarlon midsoles with React foam, as well as an update on the herringbone traction pattern for better grip. Design-wise, the Swoosh is now embroidered, as well as the Mamba logo now seen on the tongue.