Nike continues to connect the Air Force 1 with Kobe Bryant’s signature footwear through colorways inspired by Mamba history. The series has introduced numerous versions over the past few seasons, and the next release brings a new “Purple Stardust” design to the familiar basketball silhouette.
SNEAKERS
The Nike Air Force 1 “Purple Stardust” will arrive alongside the Kobe AD Protro in the same colorway and a matching Offcourt Slide. The three models form a coordinated October 2026 release that carries the same black and purple palette across performance, lifestyle, and casual footwear.
Official retailer images reveal a black leather upper with a snakeskin-inspired texture. The design uses Purple Stardust across the interior, outsole, Mamba sheaths, and numbered heel details. The black foundation keeps the shoe visually focused, and the purple sections connect the Air Force 1 to the accompanying Kobe AD Protro and Offcourt Slide.
The snakeskin-inspired leather draws from the Mamba references that have shaped several Kobe-related Air Force 1 releases. Nike places those details across one of its most recognizable models, continuing the series of AF1 colorways tied to Bryant’s footwear history. The heel numbering and Mamba sheaths give the release its clearest connection to Kobe Bryant’s signature line.
The Kobe AD Protro gives the release additional context. Nike originally introduced the Kobe AD in 2016 as Bryant’s first signature shoe following his retirement. The company offered the model at a more accessible price point than other Kobe shoes available during the same period. The upcoming Protro edition will make the Kobe AD the youngest Kobe model to enter Nike’s updated technology line.
The original Kobe AD arrived only two years before Nike began the Protro era, placing the model close to the beginning of the program. The Offcourt Slide completes the group and extends the colorway across a third Nike silhouette. Its inclusion creates a wider product release built around one shared design direction.
Nike and select retailers will release the Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 “Purple Stardust,” Kobe AD Protro “Purple Stardust,” and matching Offcourt Slide in October 2026. The collection continues Nike’s use of the Air Force 1 within Kobe-related releases and introduces the Kobe AD to the Protro line.
