Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Lower Merion Aces’ Release Date

Not only is Kobe Bryant’s fifth signature sneaker returning in a colorway inspired by his Lower Merion Aces high school team, but Nike will also be applying the same concept to the late basketball legend’s Air Force 1.

Two new Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers will be released in contrasting “Home” (style code IB0018-101)and “Away” (style code IB0018-600) styles for Bryant’s in the colors of Bryant’s alma mater. The former sports a combination of White/Team Red, while the latter has an opposite Team Red/White look.

Despite their differing color schemes, both shoes are decked out in matching details including a shiny, snakeskin-patterned upper. Bryant’s former jersey number, 33, is stitched on the right heel of each pair, with an ace symbol appearing on the left. Bryant’s signature sheath logo is stamped on the outer heel area and also appears at the toe below a custom “Mamba Forever” dubrae. Lastly, Bryant’s signature appears on the insole.

Unlike many recent Bryant-branded Air Force 1 releases, the upcoming Lower Merion-themed pairs do not feature the Proto upgrades seen on other pairs such as a drop-in ReactX foam midsole. 

In addition to this pair referencing Lower Merion, the Kobe Bryant x Air Force 1 Low will also soon be released in a Protro “Siempre Hermanos” colorway inspired by Bryant’s friendship with former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Pau Gasol. And later this year, a previously unreleased denim Kobe-branded Air Force 1 is expected to receive its first public launch.

Nike will be going all-in with its Lower Merion Aces-inspired releases later this month as both of the Air Force 1 Lows pictured here will be released alongside the matching Kobe 5 Protro on March 23. The sneakers are set to retail for $120 each.