Nike Kobe 5 Protro Year of the Mamba Eggplant

Nike Kobe 5 Protro Year of the Mamba Eggplant

The Nike Kobe 5 Protro Year of the Mamba Eggplant celebrates Kobe Bryant’s legacy through a special release created for Nike’s 2025 Year of the Mamba collection. Coinciding with the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, the design connects Kobe’s legendary Black Mamba identity with themes of transformation, determination and continuous improvement, bringing symbolic storytelling to one of his most celebrated signature basketball silhouettes.

The upper is finished in a striking iridescent Eggplant purple, complemented by black detailing and premium Metallic Gold accents. Its defining feature is the sculptural golden mamba graphic that wraps around the lateral Swoosh, creating the appearance of a snake moving across the shoe. Mandarin detailing on the tongue references the Year of the Mamba, while the sleek low-profile shape preserves the distinctive visual language of the original Kobe 5.

As a Protro release, the silhouette combines its lightweight construction and close-to-the-court feel with updated performance technology. A Zoom Air unit in the forefoot provides responsive cushioning, while updated Protro midfoot foam supports quick movements and transitions on court. The low-cut construction promotes natural ankle movement, delivering the speed, agility and responsiveness closely associated with Kobe Bryant’s playing style.

The Kobe 5 remains one of the most influential models in Kobe Bryant’s signature line, and the Year of the Mamba edition adds another layer of cultural significance to the silhouette. Its combination of Lakers-inspired purple and gold tones, Lunar New Year symbolism and distinctive snake detailing makes the Eggplant colourway equally compelling as a performance basketball shoe and a collectable tribute to Kobe’s enduring Mamba Mentality.

Product Details

Category
Basketball Sneakers

Style Code
IB4481-500

Colourway
Eggplant / Black / Metallic Gold

Release Date
9 January 2025

Features

• Part of Nike’s 2025 Year of the Mamba collection

• Iridescent Eggplant upper with Black and Metallic Gold detailing

• Sculptural golden mamba graphic wrapping around the lateral Swoosh

• Mandarin Year of the Mamba detailing on the tongue

• Forefoot Zoom Air cushioning for responsive performance

• Updated Protro midfoot foam

• Lightweight, low-profile construction designed for court feel

• Year of the Snake-inspired design celebrating Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba legacy

Condition

Brand New

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