Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Protro ‘Denim’ Release Date IM1980-400

After news surfaced in August of Kobe Bryant’s exclusive denim-draped Nike Air Force 1 making its way to retail this year, the release is now imminent with the arrival of official e-commerce images.

Bryant’s once-elusive Air Force 1 sneaker was produced as a player exclusive for the late basketball legend in 2006. With an Obsidian/Safety Orange/White color combination, the style was fully enveloped in denim years before the textile became an industry-wide trend. 

The Bryant-exclusive style features a two-tone denim design with the heel, eyestay and tip panels donning a dark indigo blue and the sneaker’s base featuring a lighter appearance which resembles the inside of a pair of jeans. Orange is the sole accent color and it’s used liberally, appearing on the branding, outsole and contrast stitching. 

But rather than merely reissue the Kobe-branded custom style, Nike has given Bryant’s exclusive a Protro upgrade which follows the concept used on his signature basketball line. The shoe features a number of updates, some of which are more conspicuous than others. 

At the midsole, the Air Force 1’s traditional “Air” text is replaced with Bryant’s signature, while the front and back tips of the outsole feature Bryant’s sheath logo in place of the shoe’s typical star pattern. The biggest change, however, is one that can’t be seen as the shoe includes a ReactX drop-in insole which modernizes the cushioning of the otherwise dated Air Force 1 technology. 

Aside from the Air Force 1 Protro, other recent Kobe sneaker news highlights include a new Los Angeles Dodgers-themed spin on the Kobe 5 Protro and the first-ever reissue of the Kobe 4 Protro from the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.

Fans won’t need to wait long for their first chance at this Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Protro “Denim” style. The sneaker is set to be released on May 22 from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Nike Sportswear retailers for $150. The style code for the upcoming release is IM1980-400.