Nike Kobe IX Elite Low EM Protro "Charlotte" Launching 06/01 Colorway: BLACK/UNIVERSITY GOLD/WHITE Style: Men's Basketball Shoe

The Nike Kobe Forever "Charlotte" colorway drops June 1, extending the Kobe Forever Air Force 1 line to a bold purple/blue colorway that pays tribute to the team that drafted Kobe Bryant in the 1996 NBA Draft: The Charlotte Hornets.

Legacy and Design: The Charlotte Colorway Story

The mid-90s were some wild times in the NBA. Case in point: the 1996 NBA Draft. This was the draft that saw one of the all-time greats turn pro: Kobe Bryant was selected with the...13th pick? 

Wild times, indeed.

Allen Iverson was the #1 pick in '96. Ray Allen went to the Timberwolves at #5. And Kobe Bryant went to Charlotte at #13. 

Wilder still, the Hornets immediately flipped Kobe to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. 

To be fair to the Hornets' front office, they knew they needed a center, and they agreed to take Divac from the Lakers in exchange for a draft pick to be named later. The Hornets were always going to trade their 13th pick to LA for Vlade Divac — and it just so happened that Kobe was the best available player the Lakers wanted when the pick rolled around. 

So the Hornets are not really guilty of one of the all-time worst trades in NBA history. But an unexpected part of Kobe's legacy is still the fact that he technically joined the NBA as a Hornet.

Nike has repeatedly celebrated the unusual start to Kobe's career with Charlotte-inspired colorways. The latest is a purple-and-blue addition to the Kobe Forever line of Air Force 1s.

Kobe Forever AF1s add Mamba DNA to a classic Nike silhouette. The special-edition AF1s typically feature an all-over snakeskin print, premium leather upper. Kobe's iconic Mamba branding assures collectors these are part of the Kobe Forever series.

Built for the Court: Tech Specs and Release Details

AF1s have been streetwear staples for so long that it's easy to forget they launched in 1982 as serious basketball shoes. 

Nike Air Force 1s were the first Nike basketball shoes to feature an encapsulated Air unit in the midsole. The famous perforated leather uppers were originally for durability and breathability on the court. The rubber outsole with pivot circle traction pattern was designed to provide grip and responsiveness on the court.

Sneaker technology has moved on significantly since the 1980s, but AF1s remain an essential part of many sneakerheads' collections. They are legends in the spehere, and the Kobe Forever series unites Kobe Bryant's Hall-of-Fame legacy with AF!s timeless appeal. 

Get Ready for June 1

Nike Kobe release dates are always hotly anticipated events. The June 1 launch of the Nike Kobe Forever "Charlotte" colorway is no different. These sneakers are expected to appeal to both collectors and hoopers — stocks may sell out fast. 

The "Charlotte" AF1s drop in men's sizes. Cop your pair at Hibbett online or via the Hibbett mobile app. Or stop by your nearest Hibbett store to try before you buy.

And if you're looking for other classic Kobe Bryant sneakers, like the Nike Kobe Air Force 1 or Kobe IX Court Purple for kids, you'll find all the latest and classic Mamba footwear on our website.