Sneaker News Kobe Bryant was a coveted man in 2003. After cutting ties with adidas, the remaining sneaker brands in the business were in an all-out bidding war, luring the NBA Champion with a variety of player-only issuesin an effort to gain his allegiance. Nike and Jordan Brand were the clear frontrunners, but the Swoosh managed to prevail over its subsidiary brand — and the Air Force 1 may have played a role in that decision.
Among the various PEs made for the Black Mamba in the 2002-2003 season, perhaps the most overlooked is the Air Force 1. Nike blessed Kobe with a classic “Home” and “Away” execution of the Air Force 1 Mid, with Kobe even wearing the former white during a game. The operation was clean: all-white uppers, yellow soles and Swoosh logos, and purple underlays beneath the Swoosh. Nike is bringing that original design to the Air Force 1 Low later this year, complete with the iconic Kobe Sheath logo at the heel.
A firm release date is unknown, but Vanessa Bryant confirms a drop is indeed happening in 2024. Could these be a Mamba Day drop on August 24th? Stay tuned for updates.
