The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Eggplant” Releases On January 9th

Alongside a Lunar New Year apparel collection.

Andrew Rizzo December 31, 2024

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2024 was a huge year for Kobe Bryant shoes, and 2025 is looking equally compelling. Ahead of retro releases like the Moonwalker Kobe 9 and What The Kobe 8, Nike Basketball is celebrating the upcoming Lunar New Year with “Year Of The Mamba” Kobe apparel as well as two Kobe 5 Protros.

Previously reported to release in February, we’re learning that the snake-themed “Eggplant” Kobe 5 has been moved up to January 9th. The titular purple color makes its way onto the base, embellished by a glittery “Metallic Gold” snake overlay on the lateral side; tributing the Chinese zodiac animal and Kobe’s most famous nickname in one stroke. Kobe’s two NBA jersey numbers appear on the insoles, while Chinese characters reading “Year Of The Mamba” dot the inner tongue. The tongue and collar round out the upper with black, reptillian-textured fabric, complemented by semi-clear blue gum soles underfoot. Moreover, Nike celebrates the “Year Of The Snake” with a special red dust bag and shoe box.

This is one of two “Year Of The Mamba” Kobe 5s releasing in January 2025, preceding a “University Red” colorway releasing January 18th. As mentioned, the “Eggplant” colorway releases January 9th, 2025 and will be available in adult and GS sizes alongside a collection of Year Of The Mamba apparel. See official images below ahead of the drop.

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WHERE TO BUY

Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro

SKU: IB4481-500

RETAIL PRICE: $190

RELEASE DATE: Jan 9, 2025

US 01/09/2025 Thursday

Retailer	Release type	Status
Nike SNKRS US	Standard	Coming Soon

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.