NBA fans will undoubtedly remember that former Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his young daughter Gianna passed away three years ago in an unfortunate helicopter accident. Now, Nike is looking to pay tribute to Gianna with the release of the “Gigi” Nike Kobe Protro 4.
The Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Gigi” shoes, rumored to release on Gianna’s birthday May 1, 2023 👀 pic.twitter.com/84JDbS27fv
— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) February 15, 2023
Most of us already know that Vanessa Bryant signed an undisclosed contract with Nike to continue the production of Kobe Bryant’s Nike shoes. However, we didn’t see this special version representing his daughter getting released as well. Let us take a closer look at this new shoe model and how fans are reacting to it.
NBA fans have mixed feelings towards the “Gigi” Nike Kobe Protro 4
There is no denying that the Gigi Nike Kobe Protro 4 looks very eye appealing and attractive. It is black and white in color with chequered boxes at the heel of the shoe. Additionally, there is also an inscription on it “GIGI” and the number 2, which NBA fans will remember is the same jersey number that Gianna used to wear when playing basketball.
Nike has decided to release this shoe on May 1, 2023. As some of us know, this is the same day as Gianna’s birthday and has a special personal significance to the Bryant family. While fans certainly like the design and color of the shoe, they are not all that happy with the very idea.
Those are 🔥!!!
— KOBE (@LakerFan4ever87) February 15, 2023
After all, it does seem dark to promote a shoe line by using tragedy and emotion as selling factors. Fans were quick to point this out and call out Nike for engaging in those kinds of activities, “Kinda sickening that they’re looking to profit off this situation. It’s Nike though so it doesn’t come as a surprise. Horrible company.”
Kinda sickening that they’re looking to profit off this situation. It’s Nike though so it doesn’t come as a surprise. Horrible company.
— Jawn_Q_Sixer (@j0hnnyb0y61O) February 15, 2023
— bob the builder (real) (@Thereallilmoy) February 16, 2023
However, some pointed out that Nike could be doing this simply to honor Kobe and Gianna. However, this defense soon fell apart when fans wondered why Nike wasn’t donating the profits to any case and appeared to be in this just for the money.
Nike is using his fandom to line their pockets. If they want to honor his daughter donate all profits to a cause in her honor.
— Jawn_Q_Sixer (@j0hnnyb0y61O) February 16, 2023
A few fans didn’t like the shoe very much. They pointed out that the scale and target audience would simply be too small for this project to be profitable. Some felt that there was too much white on the shoe and that would make it very difficult to clean after it inevitably gets dirty.
Has way too much white so in turn it’ll get dirt in it rather easily. Which means spending time cleaning the shoes on a constant basis. Too much work for a pair of shoes.
— Scott Sawyer (@CowabungaDude85) February 16, 2023
In any case, despite these mixed opinions, the shoe is set to be released in a little more than 2 months. We hope that it does well and fans are happy with this latest Gigi Nike Kobe Protro 4.