Kobe Bryant's "Denim" Nike Air Force 1 from 2006 to Return Summer 2026

Nike, Inc. continues to celebrate the life and times of Kobe Bryant with a healthy mix of initiatives and product launches. Come Summer 2026, the Swoosh is set to release the late Los Angeles Lakers legend's exclusive Air Force 1 Low "Denim" from 2006.

Reported by Sneaker Files, the news arrives days after Vanessa Bryant and the Nike Basketball team unveiled the first-ever Kobe 3 Protro Low, a modified version of the five-time NBA champion's third Nike signature model. Additionally, the report falls in line with a number of other Air Force 1 Protro offerings, a move that allows the Oregon-based brand to reimagine one of its most iconic designs through the lens of one of the greatest basketball players and competitors of all-time.

During the 2000s, Nike treated its roster of athletes and extended family members to Player-Exclusive (PE) editions of their "presidential" basketball model. Bryant was not exception, racking up handfuls of special styles shortly after leaving Adidas for the Swoosh in 2003. Amongst these pairs was a "Denim" proposal that featured a "Obsidian/Safety Orange/White color scheme. Two shades of the titular material appear across the upper, which features orange contrast stitching around all panels. Inner lining and footbeds switch over to a plush leather, while the outsole reverts to Nike's "Safety Orange" flair. Bryant's sword-in-sheath emblem is embroidered on the lateral heel.

As with other Protro Air Force 1s, the "Denim" pair is expected to release with "Performance Retro" benefits—namely a ReactX drop-in insole.

The once-exclusive AF-1 is expected to hit Nike.com during Summer 2026 for around $150. While you wait for firm details and official product photos, enjoy an image set of the '06 pair ahead—courtesy of SKIT Sneaker Shop.

For more footwear news, check out all upcoming Jordan releases.