When does the Nike Air Force 1 Low x Kobe Bryant drop?

Kobe Bryant has got a legendary sneaker legacy. From his early days with Adidas to being the face of the Nike Hyperdunk in 2008 to his own legendary Kobe line with the Swoosh, Kobe has a significant sneaker history to celebrate.

And celebrate, Nike has. The Swoosh has definitely been drawing from the Kobe catalog over the years as his fans and sneaker fans in general demand more Mamba product. Now, Nike is set to recall a moment from Kobe’s legendary sneaker free agency by releasing a Kobe-inspired Air Force 1 Low on Friday for a retail price of $130.

First, let’s look at some back story. Kobe signed with Adidas right out of high school and had several notable releases with the Three Stripes, including what’s now known as the Crazy 8, the now-Crazy 1 and the now-Crazy 97. However, things with Adidas took a turn for the worse with the KOBE TWO in 2001-02. I have a personal history with these moonboots. The KOBE ONE (now Crazy 1) was a sneaker I loved. I loved the Audi TT-inspired design. So I was excited for the follow-up. As soon as it came out, I bought a pair. However, once I got them on feet … WOMP WOMP. They were literal bricks! Just terrible. Apparently, Kobe agreed, as he bought his way out of his Adidas contract for a reported $8 million.

So Kobe spent the 2002-03 season wearing everything from Air Jordan PEs to Reebok Questions. Every night, he had unique heat on feet that turned heads. In a way, that brings us to the upcoming AF1 Low release. Kobe actually wore AF1 Mids on court in Lakers colors. Kobe was a fan of the AF1, as evidenced by his reaction to seeing these Playstation-inspired AF1s.

Now, Nike isn’t releasing the exact AF1s Kobe worn on court. Rather, the Swoosh is dropping an AF1 Low which is more of a tribute to Mamba. Nike admits that it took inspiration from Kobe’s on-court AF1s. While keeping the basics of an Air Force 1 in place, Nike notes that it infused this pair with “Mamba DNA.” The upper is made up of white leather, with a Lakers yellow Swoosh with purple outline, with the Lakers theme continuing to the heel tabs featuring Kobe’s then-No. 8 and his Sheath logo. There are also debossed Sheath logos on the left and right medial sides of each shoe in the heel area. Lakers accents are also seen on the classic Nike Air – Air Force 1 tag on the white tongue with a special smaller tag underneath featuring Kobe’s signature as well as the outsole and in the three pairs of laces included — white, Lakers purple and Lakers yellow.

Nike says on SNKRS, “Bringing two legends together, this ‘Home’ colorway honors one of the most storied signature athlete legacies.” Bringing together the legacy of Kobe Bryant, his legendary sneaker free agency and the Air Force 1 should make for a popular release. These Kobe AF1 lows are already available on StockX, going for an average price of $212 on 179 sales, which represents a 31% price premium. No matter what the aftermarket is, this is a shoe guaranteed to sell out. So, best of luck to all looking to pick up a pair!

Nike Air Force 1 Low x Kobe Bryant Release Details

To see more of this month’s releases, check out our release date calendar.

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