Nike Air Force 1 Low "Kobe Bryant" Coming in 2024

In 2003, the basketball world watched as Kobe Bryant, freshly untethered from Adidas, became the focal point of fierce competition among sneaker brands vying for his endorsement. Amid this high-stakes scramble, Nike emerged victorious, securing Bryant's allegiance and setting the stage for a partnership that would redefine basketball sneakers. Interestingly, the Air Force 1, a silhouette far removed from the performance basketball models Bryant would later popularize, may have played a pivotal role in this courtship.

During the 2002-2003 NBA season, amidst the whirlwind of negotiations, Nike crafted several player-exclusive (PE) iterations of its sneakers for Bryant, showcasing their commitment and capabilities. Among these, the Air Force 1 models, designed with "Home" and "Away" color schemes, were perhaps the most unassuming yet significant offerings. During a game, Kobe was even spotted donning the white "Home" edition, a rare on-court appearance for the Air Force 1 in the modern era.

These special editions were straightforward yet striking: pristine white uppers were complemented by vibrant yellow soles and Swooshes, while purple underlays added a subtle nod to the Lakers' colors. Fast forward to 2024, and Nike is poised to revisit this chapter of Bryant's sneaker legacy by releasing the original Air Force 1 design in a Low-top variant. This upcoming release is made even more special with the addition of the iconic Kobe Sheath logo on the heel, honoring Bryant's enduring impact on the game and sneaker culture.

Early reports have the pair penned for an April release, though this is yet to be specified by the brand.

An alternate black colorway is also expected to be released during the Holiday 2024 period.

Keep your eyes locked on our official Twitter account for further updates.