Kobe Bryant’s Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Year of the Mamba’ Sees His Nickname Meet Chinese New Year
Nike‘s annual celebration of the Chinese New Year is about include more “Mamba.”
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” will release in early February while connecting Kobe Bryant‘s nickname with the “Year of the Snake.” Bringing a twist to the Los Angeles Lakers’ purple and gold, this new Nike Kobe sneaker features an “Eggplant” upper with the same reflective sheen as the Air Foamposite One colorway of the same name. A gold snake then weaves its way across the lateral side and around a black Swoosh with gold trim, and the color repeats for the Kobe logo on the tongue and outsole, as well as the insole’s no. 24. A black midsole also sits above a translucent blue outsole.
Bryant’s Nike line isn’t a stranger to Nike’s annual Chinese New Year collections, but it hasn’t been a part of the festivities since 2024, when the Kobe 9 and Kobe 8 took on a “Year of the Horse” theme. The year prior, three editions of the Kobe 8 were made for the “Year of the Snake.”
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Another Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” has leaked in red, gold and black — but retailer images of the second colorway have yet to be revealed.
Away from the Kobe line, leaks have also shown the Air Jordan 11 Low, Air Force 1 Low and Dunk Low that will be part of the forthcoming “Year of the Snake” collection.
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” will release February 8, eight days after Chinese New Year and eight days prior to the NBA All-Star Game, through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $200 for men’s sizes, $10 more than usual, while grade school sizes will be available at $120.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
