Vanessa Bryant Reveals a Mysterious New Nike Kobe Sneaker
Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram Monday to reveal a new Nike Kobe sneaker, although what will become of it is entirely unclear.
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Checkerboard,” as some are taking to calling it, makes use of several shades of purple, including on a checkerboard print on the shoe’s heel unlike anything previously appearing on a Nike Kobe sneaker. A two-tone gradient also defines the shoe’s signature scaly upper.
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Because of the timing of Bryant’s revelation, some have speculated that this edition of the Kobe 6 Protro has been made for Black History Month. When factoring in the color choices, it’s also very well possible that the shoe is Valentine’s Day-themed. And unless the sneaker goes on to release, the public may never know.
Last year around this same time, Bryant revealed a Kobe 4 Protro and Kobe 8 Protro both exclusive to her. The former shoe featured a tonal red treatment with hearts appearing across the knit upper, which she referred to as her “Valentine’s Day ‘PE’s/Wifey’s.'” The latter, clad predominantly in pink, was also called out as a “PE,” short for “player-exclusive,” but the lack of caption on Bryant’s latest post leaves more room for speculation.
What is certain is that February will see the release of the Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.0” which swaps the shoe’s traditional scale-textured upper for stars. Prior to that drop, the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro “Masterpiece” will bring back one of the model’s original colorways for the first time Saturday.
In January, Bryant gave away pairs of Nike Kobe sneakers at Dodger Stadium for victims of the Los Angeles fires.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior 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.
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