Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” Surfaces In Red

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, though it is rumored that a red colorway is also on the way. Since we have yet to see this red colorway, it is speculated that this pair will be more limited, maybe 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.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro CNY “Year of the Mamba”
Color: University Red/Black-Metallic Gold
Style Code: HF5182-600
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Price: $190 USD

Photos via Chris Colgan:

Nike Kobe 5 Protro CNY “Year of the Mamba”
Color: Eggplant/Black-Metallic Gold
Style Code: IB4481-500
Release Date: February 8, 2025
Price: $190 USD

Photos via knowing_kicks: