Nike Unveils Kobe 3 Protro “Halo” Honoring Mamba Mentality

Nike, continuing its mission to honor and elevate the legend of Kobe Bryant, has officially unveiled the Kobe 3 Protro “Halo”, an iconic silhouette reengineered from the ground up for today’s game. With its release, Nike not only pays homage to the legacy of Mamba Mentality but also brings the legendary ethos to the next generation of athletes, coaches, and sneaker collectors around the world.

Built for Today’s Hoopers, Inspired by an All-Time Great

Designed with direct input from modern basketball athletes, the Kobe 3 Protro is positioned as the “total package”: offering uncompromising comfort, traction, breathability, bounce, and the distinctive look that defined Kobe’s prime years. Dropping in a stunning all-white Halo colorway, the Kobe 3 Protro continues a series that debuted in 2023 and was carefully timed for the annual celebration of Kobe’s birthday each August 23.

Nike’s announcement marks this as the company’s most extensive Kobe Protro reboot yet, updating the original court shoe that Kobe wore during his 2007–08 NBA MVP season with engineering and style built for the future.

Advanced Tech, Classic Identity

The Kobe 3 Protro brings sweeping technical upgrades to a classic design, ensuring the shoe can meet the sharp, relentless demands of today’s game.

• Cushioning & Support:
  • Instead of the original’s pair of smaller Air Zoom units, the Kobe 3 Protro introduces a full-length Zoom Strobel system, offering enhanced court feel, explosive energy return, and light, plush support from heel to toe.

  • The shoe also features a new Cushlon 3.0 midsole for shock absorption and response.

• Breathable Basket-Inspired Upper:
  • The signature “netted” motif, the original’s iconic nod to basketball netting, is now realized with premium mesh backing, boosting both containment and airflow. The result is a fit that reliably locks in the foot while promoting ventilation even through the most intense games.

• Improved Traction Pattern:
  • Recognizing the modern player’s need for precision on every cut, the updated traction delivers reliable grip for hard stops, aggressive directional changes, and explosive takeoffs.

• Legacy Details:
  • New diamond shapes on the upper and sole are a loving tribute to Kobe’s eldest daughter, Natalia Diamanté Bryant, reinforcing a family legacy that lives far beyond basketball.

Shaped by Athletes, Past and Present

This reintroduction wasn’t done in a vacuum. Nike conducted rigorous wear testing with both athletes who once played in the original Kobe 3 and up-and-coming hoopers who have high expectations for their footwear. Male and female athletes offered insight on everything from fit to flexibility, mirroring Kobe’s own belief in constant, relentless improvement and adaptation.

Jeni Takekawa McDonald, the Kobe Footwear Product Director at Nike, shared:

“It’s the first time we’ve overhauled the outsole, midsole and upper together in a Protro. We listened to wear-test feedback and made real updates. This is a smarter, sharper, better version of an already strong performer.”

The Mamba League and Competitive Legacy

This year’s launch aligns with not just Kobe’s birthday, but the annual Nike Mamba League Invitational in Los Angeles, an elite, invite-only youth basketball showcase. Nike selected around 70 promising young athletes who embody the work ethic, discipline, and drive that defined the Mamba Mentality and had them train with the Nike Academy before competing in this intensely competitive tournament. This event, recognized as one of the premier amateur basketball experiences in the country, demonstrates Nike’s continued investment in developing the next generation of on-court leaders.

Performance, Style, and History for the Next Generation

The Kobe 3 Protro “Halo” isn’t just a piece of nostalgia; it’s a powerful fusion of Kobe’s on-court legacy, Nike’s latest shoe tech, and the aspirations of today’s basketball players. The all-white Halo aesthetic honors Kobe’s legend, the evolution of the Protro series, and the endless pursuit of greatness.

Where and When to Buy

The Kobe 3 Protro Halo releases August 23 via SNKRS, Nike.com, and select global retailers. As with past Halo launches, pairs are expected to sell out quickly.

Sneakerheads and hoopers who want a shot at this All-Star drop are encouraged to turn notifications on for SNKRS and check Nike Basketball and Nike News for future Kobe Protro developments.