Quick Facts
- Nike is dropping a Kobe Air Force 1 Low Protro honoring Bryant's friendship with Pau Gasol
- On top of the bond the two share off the court, Pau and Kobe invested in a racehorse in 2012
- The pair also features Year of the Horse motifs to tie in with the Chinese zodiac
- Expect a drop April 24, 2026 for $150
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In 2012, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, both of whom played for the Los Angeles Lakers, came together to invest in a racehorse. Well… not exactly. During a charity auction, Bryant and Gasol were in a bidding war for a 25% stake in a 4-year-old gelding named Siempre Mio. Bryant bid $8,000, and Gasol tapped out, though he was still interested in the horse due to its name, which translates to “Always Mine.” Santa Anita CEO and owner of the horse, Mark Verge, allowed Pau to own another 25% stake in the horse if he agreed to also donate $8,000 to charity, and thus the two teammates became co-owners of a horse. Inspired by this moment and their long-standing bond, Nike is launching a new Nike Kobe Air Force 1 Low.
Dubbed Siempre Hermanos, which translates to “Always Brothers,” the sneaker is done in a premium tan suede on most of the upper. Piping the suede panels is dark tan leather, giving the AF1 a cowboy boot aesthetic. This theming also shines through thanks to the debossed pattern applied to the heel overlay. Kobe and Pau’s brotherhood is directly referenced on the horseshoe lace charm with “siempre hermanos” engraved into the metal charm. Also present on this charm is a Kobe sheath logo, the years “09” and “10,” a nod to the Lakers' championship season, Bryant’s initials, and his jersey number “24.”
More nods to horses, which also play into the Chinese zodiac for 2026, the Year of the Horse, are found on the Swoosh. Here, the logo is done with a faux pony hair finish in dark brown, almost black. Contrasting this is a light ice-blue hue on the suede heel tab and the leather tongue patch. Down below sits a cream Kobe-branded midsole and an icy blue outsole. As is the case with all Kobe Protro AF1s, the insole features ReactX cushioning.
The brotherhood and friendship between Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol is well-documented. The two began playing as teammates on February 5, 2008, days after Gasol was traded to the Lakers. Over the course of six seasons, the two would form a deep relationship that extended off the court and the horse track.
After Kobe’s passing in 2020, Gasol attended the NBA All-Star Game and was spotted with Vanessa and Kobe’s two youngest daughters. Kobe told Gasol prior to his passing that he wanted him to teach his girls about the culture in Spain and was planning on sending them in a “trade” that would have Kobe take in Pau’s kids for a vacation. Kobe was once quoted as saying, “He’s my brother and will always be my brother.”
The Nike Kobe Air Force 1 Low Protro Siempre Hermanos, alongside a matching Kobe 8 Protro, will be released April 24, 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $150. Check below for early looks at the shoe via GOAT, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
