Nike’s 2024 Kobe Bryant sneaker releases included special versions of the classic Air Force 1 sneaker with details referencing the late Los Angeles Lakers legend. This year, the Beaverton-Ore.-based company’s sportswear division will keep the concept going with several new Air Force 1s tied to Bryant, some of which are already generating buzz online.
One of the more intriguing recently leaked pairs is a “Linen” Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low accented with University Blue. Although in-hand images have yet to arrive, outlet Sneaker Market RO reports that a “Linen/Linen/University Blue” colorway is set to arrive this year, and a speculative mock-up gives an early idea of what could be expected.
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Seemingly repurposing the sneaker’s fan-favorite “Linen” colorway, the upcoming Bryant-branded style is expected to feature a mostly linen-colored tan upper with light blue accents, the latter of which may be a nod to the Lakers’ alternate jerseys during the 2004-05 NBA season.
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In addition to the “Linen” look featured here, several other Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Lows are reportedly on their way to retail this year. A two-sneaker “Minneapolis Pack” featuring both blue and yellow colorways is expected to launch this summer, while a new black and Persian Violet style is slated to arrive sometime in September.
Bryant’s latest Air Force 1 Low collaborations began releasing in ’24 with a white-based “Lakers Home” colorway and a monogrammed “Lakers Away” style in black, the latter of which was released in both individually numbered and unnumbered versions. Previous Kobe-themed Air Force 1 releases include a 2007 iteration adorned with an illustration of Bryant’s face, a 2011 pair featuring Nike’s thermo-molded Vac Tech method and a 2017 style covered in faux snakeskin.
As of publishing, the “Linen” Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low FCS is expected to be released in December. The shoe has a SKU of IH1018-200.