Nike’s Kobe 5 Protro Year of the Mamba release, scheduled for February 8, 2025, brings a fresh take on a celebrated model while paying tribute to Kobe Bryant’s influence and the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. This edition, crafted in a sleek Eggplant and Metallic Gold colorway, integrates symbolic details that honor both Bryant’s legacy and the upcoming Chinese New Year.
The Kobe 5 Year of the Mamba Eggplant will debut in a striking Eggplant and Metallic Gold colorway, a color scheme that nods to the Los Angeles Lakers’ iconic purple and gold while also incorporating reflective, snake-inspired elements. The upper, a rich eggplant purple, channels the color of the Nike Air Foamposite One “Eggplant” with a sleek reflective sheen. One of the most captivating details is the golden snake motif that winds across the lateral Swoosh and wraps around the shoe, symbolizing Bryant’s Black Mamba nickname. This golden design extends through other key elements, including the Kobe sheath logo on the tongue and a nod to Bryant’s jersey number, 24, on the insole.
The Kobe 5 Protro line, known as Nike’s “performance retro,” merges classic design with cutting-edge technology within the IB4481-500 style. This release is equipped with Flywire technology on the upper for strength and lightweight support, ensuring that the shoe is as performance-driven as it is symbolic. Additionally, the Protro features a Cushlon foam midsole and Zoom Air units in both the forefoot and heel for responsive, enhanced cushioning – a tribute to Kobe’s original line while also elevating it with today’s advancements in performance footwear.
The timing of this release is significant. Arriving eight days after the Chinese New Year and eight days before the NBA All-Star Game, the Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” is primed for high visibility during a key period in the basketball calendar. As a premium release, this Protro model will retail at $200, a slight increase from the typical Kobe 5 price, reflecting the luxury and detail embedded in its design. Grade school sizing will also be offered at $120, extending its reach to younger fans.
In addition to this Eggplant colorway, an alternate red edition is anticipated for later in the year. The red version will retain the intricate golden snake detailing, adding depth to the “Year of the Mamba” theme by incorporating traditional Chinese New Year colors. Both colorways in the collection are expected to be highly sought after by fans of Bryant’s legacy and collectors alike.
wow ! The best Kobe 5 so far! love the mamba homage on them!