Prepare yourselves, sneakerheads. A fresh Kobe Bryant shoe is on the way.
On Aug. 9, Nike announced that the "Kobe Brand is back," teasing that the newest shoe in the Kobe line is "almost here." The company said that it will share more information about the release on Aug. 10, but a few details have already leaked out to the public.
Here is everything we know about the Kobe 8 "Halo" and when it will hit the open market.
MORE: Stephen Curry tells three awesome Kobe Bryant stories on 'Hot Ones'
Kobe Bryant 8 'Halo' shoes release date
In an Instagram post on Aug. 9, Kobe's widow, Vanessa, revealed that the release date for the shoe will be Aug. 23, which is Kobe's birthday. She added that it will be "one of many Kobe 8 'Halo' styles coming soon."
Nike has not yet released official photos of the Kobe 8 "Halo," but multiple sneaker sites have posted what appear to be images of the new shoe.
Kobe Bryant-Nike relationship, explained
In April 2021, Vanessa and the Bryant estate elected not to renew their partnership with Nike. At the time, ESPN's Nick DePaula reported that the estate was disappointed with Nike "limiting the availability of Kobe products" after his retirement in 2016 and death in a January 2020 helicopter crash. There was also a frustration with the "lack of availability of Kobe footwear in kids' sizes."
"My hope will always be to allow Kobe's fans to get and wear his products," Vanessa told DePaula. "I will continue to fight for that. Kobe's products sell out in seconds. That says everything. I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband's legacy."
Nearly a year later, the estate and Nike were able to reconcile their differences. Vanessa announced in March 2022 that the partnership would continue, noting that Nike would launch a series honoring her daughter, Gianna, who also died in the helicopter crash.
"With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike products for years to come and with Nike donating 100 [percent] of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna's shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation," Vanessa said in her statement.
What is 'Mamba Day'?
The Kobe 8 "Halo" will drop right before "Mamba Day," which takes place on Aug. 24 to celebrate the life of the Lakers legend.
After Bryant retired in 2016, the City of Los Angeles recognized that date as "Kobe Bryant Day" or "Mamba Day." It was chosen because Bryant wore the No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys as a member of the Lakers. The franchise decided to retire both numbers in 2017.