Nike Releases Kobe Bryant Lower Merion Collection

Lucky sneakerheads waited for hours on Saturday, March 21, in Philadelphia to cop a pair of shoes from the Nike tribute to Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant's Lower Merion upbringing.

Lapstone & Hammer — a retailer offering premium streetwear in Philadelphia — released select models of the shoes on a first-come, first-served basis. The full collection was made available on Monday, the 30th anniversary of Lower Merion's 1996 state championship win and Bryant's first encounter with greatness.

According to a Philadelphia Inquirer report, Saturday's drop included two Air Force 1s in Lower Merion maroon and white ($120), as well as apparel and a store-exclusive Dunk Low Protro ($130).

The shoes represent Nike's first version of the athletic retailer's popular Dunk model in “Protro” or “performance retro” — nostalgic and classic silhouettes that offer modern construction and technologies, according to Lapstone & Hammer owner Brian Nadav. The designs feature subtle nods to Bryant's Aces era: white satin to mimic a jersey, a maroon chenille Nike swoosh, a No. 33 jersey emblem, a sheath and snake on the soles, and Bryant's signature on the heel. 

The tongues contain embroidered phrases such as “Friends hang sometimes” and “Banners hang forever.” 

In an Instagram video teasing the soon-to-be-released metallic silver and Aces red Kobe 5 Protro ($200), Lower Merion coach Gregg Downer said Bryant's “love of winning, his no-shortcut attitude, and his dream to be the best” are the qualities that overshadow his death in 2020.

“Kobe became the Mamba here in Philadelphia,” Nadav said. “There is so much likeness for the Philadelphia mentality and the Mamba Mentality.”