Sneaker News This coming Spring 2026, Kobe Bryant’s High School era will be a storyline for the Kobe Brand in Beaverton. With the return of the Kobe 5 “Lower Merion Aces” confirmed for an drop early next year, Nike is adding a duo of Air Force 1s inspired by the Black Mamba’s hooping era before jumping to the NBA.
Kobe Bryant famously went prep-to-pro in 1996, forgoing a collegiate stint to go directly to the NBA. Before being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets and being traded to the Lakers on that fateful night, Kobe wore a white and burgundy red for his Lower Merion Aces athletic program. This exact color scheme, which inspired the Kobe 5s, will serve as the base colors for the Air Force 1.
This first look at the upcoming release reveals a snakeskin-esque pattern applied all throughout the upper. The store is told on the heel; on the left heel is the Aces’ logo of the spade, while the 33 marks Kobe Bryant’s high school jersey number. The Kobe sheath appears on the outer heel of both pairs. This white “Home” version will be joined by a red “Away” version; the latter will likely feature the same snakeskin pattern on the upper and logo/number hits at the heel.
Currently, a release date for the Kobe Air Force 1 “Aces” is set for March 23rd, 2026 with a $120 MSRP for either pair.
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- Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lower Merion Aces” @chappy_snkrs
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- Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lower Merion Aces” @chappy_snkrs
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- Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lower Merion Aces” @chappy_snkrs
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- Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lower Merion Aces” @chappy_snkrs
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- Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lower Merion Aces” @chappy_snkrs
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- Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lower Merion Aces” @chappy_snkrs
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- Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Lower Merion Aces” @chappy_snkrs
WHERE TO BUY
Mens Nike Air Force 1 Low "Lower Merion Aces – Home"
US 03/23/2026 Monday
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