Early Look: Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Protro "Lenticular Snakeskin"

Over the last handful of years, NIKE, Inc. has honored the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant with several initiatives, campaigns, and product launches. One series that continues allowing non-hoopers to celebrate the five-time NBA champion is the Air Force 1 Protro silhouette, which brings some modern performance-informed tweaks to the "presidential" sneaker.

Thus far, around half a dozen Protro Air Forces have launched, each donning improved ReactX foam cushioning and elements inspired by the "Black Mamba." A newly-surfaced "Lenticular Snakeskin" style, however, might be the most thematic nod to Bryant yet.

As its unofficial nickname suggests, the AF-1 features a special build across the upper, which combines a grey-and-black snakeskin pattern with an optically dynamic material. The wild-inspired aesthetic, then, shifts depending on how light hits it or from which angle the upper is viewed.

The midsole is left tonal, allowing the top-half to revel in the spotlight. Profile Swooshes feature an icy lemon outline that slightly breaks up the snakeskin ensemble.

The newly-previewed Air Force 1 Protro is expected to release via Nike.com and a select number of global retailers by early 2027.

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