Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
Although sneakerheads will clamor for a pair of kicks that are over 40 years old, their feet may not be happy with their choice. Footwear technology has evolved significantly since Bruce Kilgore’s Air Force 1 was on the court (not that it stopped Rasheed Wallace), but Kobe Bryant’s Nike line is looking to upgrade the sneaker. Earlier in 2025, we were introduced to the Nike Kobe Air Force 1 Low Protro, a performance retro version of the AF1 that launched in collaboration with FC Barcelona and in a colorway inspired by Kobe’s famous pajama free-throw practice. However, Sole Retriever can report that alongside the Black Lemon Venom and Sail Pinksicle pairs, the AF1 Protro will be getting a Work Blue makeover as well.
As of this writing, there are no images of the Work Blue Nike Kobe Air Force 1 Low Protro. We do know the official color scheme is work blue, summit white, and metallic gold, giving us a solid idea of what to expect on the sneaker. The color also matches a new Nike Kobe 1 Protro coming in Spring 2026.
Our speculative mock-up places faux snakeskin leather across the entire upper, with a clean two-tone design on the overlays and underlays. Work blue is present on the mudguard, eyestays, and heel, while summit white appears on the toebox and midfoot panel. More white shades dominate the lace set, tongue, and sockliner. Accenting the two-tone look are hits of metallic gold on the Swoosh and Kobe sheath logo. Finishing the sneaker is the white AF1 midsole with a golden Kobe signature on the lateral heel and a work blue outsole. As for the upgrades, Nike equips the sneaker with a drop-in ReactX foam midsole, premium leather details, and Kobe sheath logos in the traction of the outsole.
The Nike Kobe Air Force 1 Low Protro Work Blue will be released Spring 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $150. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
