This year’s Mamba Day celebration marks the culmination of Nike’s revitalization of the Kobe line with the reintroduction of the Kobe 8 Protro in a clean and stylish “Triple White” iteration. This pair was first seen in May this year, and now fans and sneaker aficionados may get a closer look at its design thanks to photos that leaked on the social media recently.
SNEAKERS
The Nike Kobe 8 Halo is a reworked version of Kobe Bryant’s eighth signature sneaker, which comes in a white-on-white colorway. The low-top shoe was designed by Eric Avar and boasts an all-white engineered mesh upper with tonal embroidery on the Swoosh insignia. In addition, the athlete’s personal emblem is displayed on the tongue of the shoe.
Background
Following the confirmation of rumors that have been circulating since the previous year, Nike will be bringing back the Kobe 8 Protro Triple White colorway of the Kobe 8 Halo on August 23rd. Because Kobe Bryant wore these particular pairs during the first half of the 2011-2012 basketball season, they will forever have a significant place in the annals of basketball lore. They were most recently seen in the limited-edition “Fade to Black” collection that was released in 2016.
Influence
The effect that the Kobe 8 had on the game can still be felt today. Basketball players, such as Ja Morant and Jordan Poole, continue to put their faith in the silhouette. This credibility relates to the enduring quality of its design as well as its functionality on the court.
Design
The Kobe 8 Protro, which was designed by Eric Avar, features an aesthetic that is influenced by soccer and is distinguished by an incredibly lightweight and low-cut shape. The uppers of the retros feature engineered mesh, and the overlays are made of textured pebbled leather. The shoes have a traditional monochromatic composition. The tongue and the sides are both adorned with additional embellishments, such as embroidered branding elements. On the back of the Zoom Air midsoles, you’ll find details inscribed in Braille, which is a unique feature. The look is finished off with a shiny black wedge that sits in the middle of the foot and traction outsoles that are designed to work with hardwood.
Kobe Bryant’s Thoughts
At the introduction in 2012, the late Kobe Bryant offered his thoughts on the design after having some time to reflect on it. He explained, “In order to play at my absolute best, I always concentrate on getting better at my game. I was able to play faster while maintaining a higher level of control after shaving off small fractions of both height and weight. I want to get the sensation that I’m traveling at the speed of light.” His statements confirm the fundamental design concepts that guided the creation of the shoe and highlight its intention to deliver the highest possible level of performance and command of the court.
Availability
Just in time for Mamba Day 2023, the Nike Kobe 8 Halo is intended to be both a tribute to Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career and a demonstration of timeless fashion. Not only does this revival pay homage to a basketball great, but it also brings back a silhouette that has been and continues to be an important force in the development of modern basketball shoes. The Kobe 8 Halo is getting ready to make a surprising comeback to the market, and it will be available for both active players and nostalgic collectors.
The shoe will be available for $180 USD when it launches on August 23, with sizes ranging from adult to GS.
In case you missed it: Introducing the Jordan Brand Retro Collection for Fall 2023
waited so damn long for these Kobe 8!