Any shoe designer would admit that working with Kobe Bryant was different from working with other athletes. He found inspiration in unusual occurrences in his life. Bryant approached each sneaker project, each design, and, of course, the basketball floor in the same manner. Kobe’s final impact will be far greater and broader than the product, according to longtime Nike basketball designer and partner Eric Avar, who made this statement in 2015.
The story behind Kobe coining the term ‘protro’ is a testimony of Kobe’s dedication to whatever he did. However, Kobe’s degree of insight into basketball shoes was astonishing. Dee Tolliver, a former senior director of basketball footwear for Nike, stated that Kobe was the most meticulous in his attention to detail when it came to developing his shoes alongside designer Eric Avar.
Tolliver continues by saying that he would have anticipated the Kobe line continuing had Kobe not sadly passed away in 2020. However, Protros may be the only way we see Nike Kobe sneakers in the future if the guy who inspired the brand isn’t around. “Without him alive, those insights are just gone, and you can’t build an authentic new shoe,” Tolliver said.
Some of the top names in today’s NBA games can be seen wearing Kobe Bryant’s shoes. Within hours of his passing, several shoe companies, including Nike, paid homage to him. Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma also sent tributes to him on social media. Even though Kobe may no longer be among us, his legacy will endure forever.
Vanessa Bryant designed the latest Kobe Bryant 8 ‘Halo’ Protro sneakers
Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, has made modest and large contributions to maintaining her late husband’s legacy while suffering a traumatic loss. Of course, the most significant efforts will always be those supported by the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Last week saw the release of the newest Kobe Bryant sneakers from Nike, and the shoes are unique and exceptional. The Kobe 8 Protro Halo idea, which was unveiled on August 23—what would have been the late basketball player’s 45th birthday—was developed and designed by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, according to a statement from Nike.
The “Halo” idea will be a yearly release honoring the Hall of Famer’s birthday. In honor of Kobe’s birthday and August 24, popularly known as “Mamba Day” due to his jersey numbers “8” and “24,” Vanessa also debuted an all-white apparel line last week with the emblem of The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.