Nike Teases Kobe Sneaker To Mark Late Basketball Legend’s 45th Birthday
By Alexa Heah, 10 Aug 2023

Back in July, Nike hinted it would be continuing its long-term collaboration with the estate of late basketballer Kobe Bryant following a brief hiatus. The legend, who famously donned the number 23 jersey, passed away in a 2020 helicopter crash in Calabasas, Los Angeles.
Now, the brand has shared an update on the forthcoming launch on Twitter, confirming that the ‘Nike Kobe 8’ will be unveiled in the coming days as part of the SNKRS “Live from the Archive” event.
Upon closer look, one will be able to spot the date of August 23 on the clock at the bottom of the clip, pointing to Kobe’s birth date. It’s likely that the sneakers will officially be released on the special day, which would have been the maestro’s 45th birthday.
Mamba Forever. ð
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) August 9, 2023
The newest shoe in the iconic Kobe line is almost here. Tune into SNKRS ‘Live From the Archive’ (North America only) on August 10 for the unveiling and exclusive details on the upcoming release. pic.twitter.com/BWPNZ5MW1S
“The newest shoe in the iconic Kobe line is almost here. Turn into SNKRS ‘Live From The Archive’ (North America) on August 10 for the unveiling and exclusive details on the upcoming release,” the tweet read.
According to Sneaker News, Vanessa Bryant—the basketball player’s widow—said the shoes would come in the form of an all-white Nike Kobe 8 Proto ‘Halo,’ with more of such styles in the pipeline.
Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Triple White” ð¤ 8.23.23 ð pic.twitter.com/KXcm9jNXla
— ðï¸ Sneaker Visionz ðï¸ (@SneakerVisionz) August 9, 2023
[via Complex and Sneaker News, cover image via Nike]