Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY
·4 min read
Nike went all out for girl dads, dropping a new sneaker inspired by basketball legend and proud girl dad Kobe Bryant one week before Father's Day and just over four years since the NBA star's tragic death.
A courtside moment between Bryant and 13-year-old Gianna Bryant inspired the design of the Kobe 4 Protro, which came out on Friday.
The father-daughter duo’s last public appearance was at an NBA game, where both sat courtside to watch the Los Angeles Lakers play against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 29, 2019, according to reporting by a FOX affiliate.They were both killed − along with seven others − in a foggy helicopter crash just outside Los Angeles about a month later.
Nike's new shoe is supposed to serve as a “meaningful rendition” of the tight-knight relationship Bryant shared with his daughter, showcasing colors and a message that invites the wearer to “celebrate the power of Girl Dads everywhere,” according to Nike.
Here’s what we know.
Nike's ‘Girl Dad’ shoes sold out everywhere
It didn’t take long for sneakerheads and Lakers fans to get their hands on the limited-edition shoe, which sold out the day of their debut.
Kobe 4 Protros retailed for $190 and were available on the Nike SNKRS website and app, as well as select retailers, according to reporting by Sports Illustrated.
Nike has been launching sneakers inspired by the late NBA star’s basketball career since August 2023.
The Kobe 4 Protros have Kobe all over them, with a “Girl Dad” printed on the inner tongue. They have an orange insole to represent his support of women’s basketball and the WNBA hoodie, and are bicoastal green like the color of the beanie he was last seen wearing, according to Nike.
“The Kobe 4 Protro has been retooled for a more responsive sensation underfoot, while the springy foam midsole houses Zoom Air in the heel for added bounce to give you an extra step for an epic dad vs. daughter showdown,” Nike’s product description reads.
Sneakerheads in love with Nike's 'Girl Dad' shoes
The lucky few who were able to snag a pair of the Kobe 4 Protro were in love, gushing about the shoe and showing it off on social media. Others were upset they couldn't snag a pair for themselves.
These are actually really nice in hand. Glad to have them. Nike #Kobe 4 Protro “Girl Dad”.#Sneakers #Kicks #KobeBryant #SNKRS #WDYWT #WOMFT #WearYourSneakers #KOTD #WearYourKicks #SNKRSLiveHeatingUp #Sneakerhead #YourSneakersAreDope #Nike #KicksOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/kxWhzqQyvp
— Corey Saunders, MA (@MyKicksAreMyFix) June 7, 2024
Inline with the release date of the Nike Kobe 4 “Girl Dad” 🐍
Not a girl dad yet, but looking forward to. Shout out to amazing girl dads aswell as being kobe fans out there! pic.twitter.com/VH9ZpgWgVJ— A-Double K-I-K-O Bernardo (@Iamkoikee) June 7, 2024
Vanessa Bryant shares the inspiration behind the “Girl Dad” Kobe 4 Protro that released today 🐍🩵🩶
📸 IG: vanessabryant pic.twitter.com/zJPtEE2uW4
— KicksFinder (@KicksFinder) June 8, 2024
Nike Kobe 4 Proto Girl Dad (2024) #Nike #Kobe #Kobe4 #GirlDad #SNKRS #Proto #Kobe4s #RIPBEAN #RIPGIGI pic.twitter.com/7sM33KTP6P
— Jeremy C ✌🏿 (@jayC803) June 8, 2024
I actually wanted those Girl Dad Kobe’s, I’m about to start complaining/crying and tagging Nike to be seeded.
— Andrea (@Dreyacassie) June 7, 2024
@nikestore This “girl dad” is ready for those Kobe 4s. My girls are my world. The best thing that ever happened to me was the two Miracles I’ve been blessed with. pic.twitter.com/VaKJAVwRIl
— Joey2times (@Tr3sMilagros) June 6, 2024
Good morning family! @nikebasketball @nikestore sending you good vibes this week✅
To honor the Kobe 4s dropping soon, We celebrating being Girl Dads this week. My greatest accomplishment and my proudest flex. These sneakers mean everything to me🖤
Wish me luck yall! #GirlDad pic.twitter.com/AmdDhkxe9b— TripsetBeatz (@beatztripset) June 5, 2024
Am I the only one that tried for the Kobe’s today? I definitely like them and as a girl dad who shares a lot of moments with my girl, I like the energy from today’s pair
— Señor Alex (@combatiente1982) June 7, 2024
Maybe people just like the color combo?
All I know is that I, a childless man, will be trying to help my coworker get a pair because he is definitely a girl dad and a big Kobe fan.
— Efraín III (@hEFRAINweizen) June 6, 2024
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nike's 'Girl Dad' sneakers: See how Kobe Bryant-inspired shoes look.
