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Original Story (04/03/25): Nike is honoring Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality with a series of Air Force 1s releasing in 2025.
Fans remember Kobe for his determination, dedication, relentless work ethic, and passion for the game of basketball. The Nike Air Force 1 “Mamba Mentality” series draws inspiration from moments in the Black Mamba’s career that exemplified these characteristics.
The first “Mamba Mentality” Air Force 1 draws inspiration from the iconic photo of Kobe Bryant practicing free throws left-handed in his pajamas—despite having a broken right hand.
The shoe comes in a soft yellow and violet color scheme, a sophisticated take on the Lakers’ signature purple and gold. It also features thick, black-and-grey patterned laces that match the colors of Kobe’s pajama pants.
Other details on the Kobe Bryant Air Force 1 “Mamba Mentality” include Kobe Sheath logos on the tongue tags, his signature on the midsole, and heel panels shaped like his jersey number 8. As a final special touch, the AF-1’s outsole grip has been modified to feature the Kobe Sheath logo, replacing the standard star-shaped traction.
The Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 “Mamba Mentality” is set to drop this summer on SNKRS and at select retailers. Check out a first look below and stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates.
Update (06/04/25): New photos of the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 have surfaced, revealing additional details. These are considered a Protro Air Force 1, as the shoe has been updated with modern tech, similar to how Nike modified the retros of Kobe’s signature models. The shoe comes equipped with a drop-in ReactX foam midsole, printed with the iconic photo of Kobe practicing his free throws on the footbed. They also come with a snake-inspired outsole pattern (a nod to Kobe’s Black Mamba moniker) which features the years Kobe won a championship with the Lakers: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. Check them out below and stay tuned for release details.
Update (06/10/25): The Kobe Air Force 1 Protro drops June 24th on SNKRS and at select retailers. Check out the official images below.
Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Protro “Mamba Mentality”
Color: Soft Yellow/Soft Yellow
Style Code: HV9408-700
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Price: $150 USD
Resell: eBay / GOAT / KICKS CREW / StockX
Photos via Shelflife Store:
First look:
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