What some call player-exclusives, Vanessa Bryant is calling “wifey’s.”
The widow of Kobe Bryant revealed Valentine’s Day edition of the Nike Kobe 8 Protro made exclusively for her through an Instagram post Monday. Tonal red makes up the majority of the sneaker, with burgundy hearts scattered across the red knit upper. The outsole, heel stabilizer, and sockliner also arrive in burgundy, while the rest of the sneaker appears in red, save for white branding including the Swoosh, Kobe logo, and Kobe signature.
On Tuesday, Bryant followed up with another Instagram post featuring an exclusive Kobe 4 Protro colorway with pink and silver. She then highlighted another Kobe 8 Protro hours later with a leopard print upper that appears to be made of pony hair.
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Although it’s highly unlikely these Kobe 8 Protros are ever released to the public, two other versions of the sneaker are releasing in February. “Court Purple” and “Radiant Emerald” colorways will both feature an all-over print with Bryant’s nos. 8 and 24. The two versions both have a white base and see their namesake color form the numbers, branding, and translucent outsole. As a further nod to the numbers Bryant played in, the sneakers will also be released Feb. 8 (i.e. 2/8/24).
Adidas will also lean into its own history with Bryant by bringing back the sneaker he wore during his first NBA All-Star Game in 1998. Releasing for the first time since 2011, the Adidas Crazy 8 “All-Star,” formerly known as the Adidas KB 8, now features “’98” embroidery on the tongue in purple and yellow as a nod to the first of many All-Star appearances for Bryant. The sneaker will arrive Feb. 15, just a day before All-Star Weekend begins.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
