Nike has unveiled a new chapter in its Kobe Protro series through an unexpected collaboration with FC Barcelona. The Air Force 1 Low Protro x FC Barcelona releases on July 31, priced at $150. This drop brings together two global icons, Kobe Bryant and the Catalan club, through a detailed design language that draws from both basketball and football cultures.
The sneaker features FC Barcelona’s 2025 off-pitch colors, Persian Violet and Black, applied to an Air Force 1 silhouette built with Protro-level upgrades. The upper combines premium leather construction with textured snakeskin elements, referencing Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” persona. FC Barcelona branding appears on the tongue and dubrae, while the sockliner carries special graphics dedicated to the club’s identity.
Several Kobe-specific elements are integrated throughout. The outsole forgoes the traditional star pattern in favor of repeated Sheath logos, a direct nod to Bryant’s personal insignia. The tooling also includes five concentric rings, each etched with one of his championship years. These subtle inclusions ground the sneaker in Kobe’s legacy, without relying on familiar iconography.
Underfoot, Nike has equipped the model with ReactX foam combined with standard Nike Air cushioning. This marks the first time ReactX appears in an Air Force 1 silhouette, offering upgraded responsiveness and comfort typically reserved for performance-oriented basketball footwear. The result is a hybrid design that functions as a lifestyle sneaker while retaining features informed by Bryant’s performance demands.
The choice to partner with FC Barcelona adds another dimension. Bryant had a well-known connection to the club, often attending matches and speaking publicly about his admiration for its style of play. This collaboration reflects that link, placing both his basketball narrative and the football institution within the same design structure.
Model: Kobe Bryant x FC Barcelona x Air Force 1 Low Protro ‘Persian Violet’
Colorway: Persian Violet/Black
SKU: II7062-500
Price: 150.00 USD
Release Date: July 31
Available at: Nike SNKRS and select retailers
