In a tribute to her late husband, Vanessa Bryant designed the Kobe 8 Protro Halo sneaker for Nike. Released on August 23rd — what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 45th birthday — the shoe highlights the athlete’s iconic style.
Captivating Design on Kobe 8 Protro Halo Sneaker
The Kobe 8 Protro Halo boasts an embroidered Swoosh and the distinct Mamba logo, making it truly attention-grabbing. Featuring Nike’s react foam technology, this comfortable and responsive shoe ensures a strong overall design. The triple white colorway and the recognizable Kobe 8 silhouette make it apparent that this is an homage to a beloved icon.
Mamba League Invitational Tournament
To commemorate both the shoe launch and Bryant’s birthday, a two-day youth basketball tournament was held in front of Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers, his former NBA team.
The Mamba League Invitational welcomed eight talented high school teams from L.A., for both men and women players, culminating in the championship game on Mamba Day — August 24th.
Renewed Partnership and Support for Foundation
The launch of the Kobe 8 Protro Halo follows the renewed partnership between the Bryant estate and Nike last year. This deal allows Kobe Bryant-branded Nike products to be commercially available once again, alongside merchandise related to his late daughter Gianna. All net proceeds from Gianna’s shoe sales will be donated to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
The Kobe 8 Protro Halo sneaker, designed by Vanessa Bryant, marks her passionate dedication to preserving Kobe’s legacy. This stylish shoe is not only a fitting tribute to an unforgettable sports icon, but also supports young basketball talent through the Mamba League Invitational tournament, an event the late Kobe Bryant would have surely appreciated.