Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” Drops January 2025

Original Story (09/18/24): The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, and Nike Basketball is celebrating with a “Year of the Mamba” edition of the Kobe 5 Protro.

Inspired by Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba alter-ego, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” features a gold snake overlay that wraps around the swoosh on the lateral side panel. Additional features include a snake-themed logo on the insoles and “曼巴 之年” (“Year of the Mamba”) embroidered on the back of the tongues.

The “Year of the Mamba” Kobe 5 Protro has been unveiled in a shiny eggplant purple colorway, with a red colorway also expected to release. Details on the red colorway are slim, though it is speculated that this pair will be more limited, perhaps even China exclusive.

Check out the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” in Eggplant below. These are expected to drop in late January to early February to coincide with the Lunar New Year festivities. Catch the drop on SNKRS and at select retailers. Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for more.

Update (10/24/24): Photos of the red colorway have surfaced. Check them out below.

Update (12/30/24): The “Eggplant” colorway of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” is set to drop January 9th on SNKRS and at select retailers. Release info for the red colorway has yet to be announced.

Update (01/07/25): The “University Red” colorway is set to drop January 18th exclusively in China. Check out the official images below.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro CNY “Year of the Mamba”
Color: Eggplant/Black-Metallic Gold
Style Code: IB4481-500
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Price: $200 USD
Resell: StockX

Nike Kobe 5 Protro CNY “Year of the Mamba”
Color: University Red/Black-Metallic Gold
Style Code: HF5182-600
Release Date: January 18, 2025
Price: $200 USD
Resell: StockX

Photos via Chris Colgan: