A new chapter in Nike Kobe sneaker releases has surfaced this week. The Dunk Low is set to release next week in a special maroon color scheme, celebrating Bryant’s high school alma mater, the Lower Merion Aces, with a limited-edition style.
Nike has worked hand-in-hand with Kobe Bryant’s estate since his untimely passing in 2020. After a small hiccup in discussing with Vanessa Bryant, the two parties managed to find a middle ground that would continue Kobe’s legacy, releasing special sneakers and using that platform to grow the game of basketball. In the last couple years, Nike has gone all in on their Kobe releases, retrofitting his mainline shoes into the updated Protro format, and introducing a secondary lifestyle line, largely featuring the Air Force 1. Now, the Dunk Low is joining the casual Kobe lineup.
The first edition of a Kobe Dunk Low in 2026 has surfaced this week through official images from Nike. The model is reportedly referenced as Protro internally at the Swoosh, though it is unclear what has been changed about the shoe to earn a new title. The debut color scheme celebrates Bryant’s high school team, the Lower Merion Aces, joining a long lineage of Aces-themed looks. Dressed in a muted Team Red burgundy tone, the pair fixes a velvety base layer with suede overlays and a chenille Swoosh. The Swoosh and collar overlays feature white piping around the edges, while Kobe’s #33 jersey is embroidered on the outer heel. Inside, the tongue panels feature a message split across both shoes: “Friends hang sometimes; banners hang forever”.
NIKE KOBE DUNK LOW “LOWER MERION” RELEASE INFORMATION
Nike’s latest tribute to Kobe Bryant’s high school team, the Lower Merion Aces, is scheduled to release this week on March 23rd, 2026. Pairs will drop via their new SNKRS Reserve program, a pre-order style of launch, with pairs shipping out by July 25th, 2026. The Team Red style brings a wealth of materials to the Dunk Low, but will retain a reasonable price tag of $135.
Nike Kobe Dunk Low “Lower Merion Aces”
Color: Team Red/Team Red
Style Code: IM0581-600
Release Date: March 23rd, 2026
Price: $135
Check out the official images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.
