Nike Announces New Kobe 'Halo' Sneaker Designed by Vanessa Bryant

Nike is dropping some new Kobe Bryant footwear in less than two weeks.

Vanessa Bryant, the late legend’s widow, envisioned and designed the Kobe 8 Protro Halo. They’ll drop on August 23, which would have been Kobe’s 45th birthday.

"The Halo concept will be an annual release that will honor and celebrate this special date,” Nike said in a statement. On Wednesday, Bryant teased the kicks on Instagram with a stylish black-and-white photo of a sneaker balancing on a basketball. “Kobe 8 ‘Halo’ 8.23.23. This will be one of many Kobe 8 ‘Halo’ styles coming soon.” Bryant captioned the image.

On Thursday, Nike also formally announced the release on Twitter. The company said the Kobe 8 Halo’s mark “the continuation of a storied legacy” while “embodying the timelessness of an icon never forgotten.” The Protro Halo’s include the signature embroidered Swoosh in addition to an embroidered Mamba logo. They’re made with Nike’s React foam, which guarantees comfort and responsiveness.

The release comes on the heels of the Bryant estate’s renewed partnership with Nike, cemented last year. The deal allows for the commercial sale of Kobe-branded merchandise for the first time since the basketball star was killed in a tragic helicopter crash in 2020.

It additionally allows for the sale of merchandise branded after their daughter Gianna, who also died in the accident. All of the proceeds from Gianna’s show sales will be donated to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.