Kobe 3 Protro “Halo” Arrives Aug. 23 With Modern Upgrades and Tribute to Natalia Bryant
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LOS ANGELES — Nike will honor Kobe Bryant’s legacy on Aug. 23 with the launch of the Kobe 3 Protro “Halo,” an all-white update of the sneaker the late star wore during his 2007-08 MVP season.
The release continues the brand’s annual birthday salute to Bryant, who would have turned 47 on the Saturday closest to the drop. It is the third “Halo” colorway in the signature line, following the Kobe 8 (2023) and Kobe 9 Elite variations (2024).
Comprehensive performance overhaul
According to Nike footwear product director Jeni Takekawa, the Kobe 3 is the first Protro model to receive simultaneous upgrades to the outsole, midsole and upper.
- Full-length Zoom Strobel unit
- Cushlon 3.0 midsole foam
- Redesigned traction pattern
- New mesh overlay for increased breathability while preserving the original net-inspired lattice
“We listened to wear-test feedback and made real updates. This is a smarter, sharper, better version of an already strong performer,” Takekawa said.
Tribute to Natalia Bryant
The Kobe 3 Protro “Halo” also honors Bryant’s eldest daughter, Natalia Diamanté Bryant. Diamond-shaped details appear on the outsole and upper in reference to her middle name, which means “diamond” in Italian, Spanish and French. Natalia features in the accompanying marketing campaign alongside New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, a longtime wearer of Bryant’s signature models.
The original Kobe 3 debuted in 2008 and accompanied Bryant through the Lakers’ run to the NBA Finals that season. Nike’s latest Protro effort seeks to blend that history with technology “ready for the future,” reinforcing the Mamba Mentality for a new generation of athletes.
Source: Lakers Nation
