Nike has unveiled one of the latest additions to its Protro lineup with the Kobe 8 Protro Halo, a triple-white colorway paying homage to the legendary Kobe Bryant. Collaborating with Nike Basketball, Vanessa Bryant envisioned and brought to life the Halo shoe concept as an annual tribute to Kobe’s birthday. This concept will see yearly releases that honor and celebrate this special date, continuing the legacy of Kobe’s impact on the basketball world, marking a special tribute to Kobe Bryant.
In terms of design enhancements, the Kobe 8 Protro introduced several notable updates. One key change was replacing the Lunarlon midsole with Nike React foam, enhancing comfort, responsiveness, and overall durability of the shoe. The herringbone traction pattern was also upgraded for improved grip and traction, essential for basketball performance. Additionally, the embroidery of the Swoosh on the upper and the Mamba logo on the tongue were refined, adding a touch of sophistication to the shoe’s aesthetics while retaining its iconic Kobe Bryant branding.
Originally launched in 2012, the Nike Kobe 8 was part of the Prelude Pack (2014) and the Fade To Black Collection (2016) before its Protro release. Known for its lightweight construction, it reflected Kobe’s desire for a shoe that felt like an extension of his foot. The graphics on the upper further emphasized Kobe’s “Black Mamba” persona.
The Kobe 8 Protro ‘Halo,’ also known as the ‘Triple White,’ represents a reimagined iteration of Kobe Bryant’s eighth signature shoe, featuring a pristine blank-slate aesthetic. Designed by Eric Avar, the low-top silhouette showcases a tonal embroidered Swoosh logo adorning an upper crafted from engineered mesh, all in a clean white colorway. Adding to its personalized touch, the exterior heel counter bears Kobe Bryant’s autograph, while the tongue is adorned with his distinctive emblem, symbolizing his unique style and legacy.
Performance-wise, the Kobe 8 Protro ‘Halo’ incorporates several advancements. A carbon fiber shank enhances stability and support, crucial for dynamic movements on the basketball court. The drop-in React midsole technology offers a blend of cushioning and responsiveness, optimizing comfort and performance during play. Beneath the shoe, a herringbone-tread outsole delivers reliable stop-and-go traction, ensuring quick cuts and precise movements on various surfaces, making it a versatile choice for basketball players seeking both style and functionality.
Traction on the Kobe 8 Protro is exceptional, making it one of the best in the Kobe line. The rubber used is soft yet durable, and the herringbone pattern offers outstanding grip on indoor courts, regardless of their condition. For outdoor play, the XDR outsole option is recommended to prevent rapid wear of the soft rubber. The cushioning system in the Kobe 8 Protro features Lunarlon foam, known for its superb impact absorption and distribution. This quality not only enhances immediate comfort but also benefits long-term joint health. Unlike some other setups, the full-length Lunarlon maintains consistent comfort over time, avoiding the potential discomfort that can come with wear. Material-wise, the engineered mesh used in the Kobe 8 Protro may seem intimidating at first but proves to be both lightweight and supportive, especially with additional Fuse material providing structure. The lockdown is remarkable, thanks to strategic design elements like padded sections on the tongue that allow for a snug fit without sacrificing blood circulation. Support is primarily achieved through the shoe’s excellent fit, aided by features like a heel clip for stability, a glass-based Carbon Fiber shank for torsional rigidity, and moulded arch support within the Lunarlon midsoles. These elements work together to provide reliable support and prevent issues like heel slippage or excessive foot movement during play.
FAQ
Is the Kobe 8 Halo an exclusive?
Yes, this production has been capped at approximately 47,000 pairs, and will not be re-released.
How does the Kobe 8 Halo fit?
They are marketed to fit true to size, however individual size preferences can vary.
Why are the Kobe 8 Halo’s so special?
The Halo shoe concept and release serve as an annual tribute to commemorate Kobe’s birthday.
Does the Kobe 8 Halo have good traction?
Yes. The rubber outsole is both soft and resilient, providing exceptional grip on the courts due to its herringbone pattern.
