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

Alongside a Lunar New Year apparel collection.

Andrew Rizzo January 18th, 2025 (updated)

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Updated January 6th, 2024: Raffles for the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” in “Eggplant” are beginning to go live ahead of the shoe’s January 9th release date ($200). Check the “Where To Buy” list ahead now and in the days leading up to the release; we’ll be continually updating with all the drawings we come across.

WHERE TO BUY

Mens Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro "Year of the Mamba – Eggplant"

SKU: IB4481-500

RETAIL PRICE: $200

RELEASE DATE: Jan 9, 2025

US 01/09/2025 Thursday

Retailer	Release type	Status
KICKS CREW	Aftermarket	Aftermarket
Nike SNKRS US	Sold Out	Sold Out
Foot Locker	Sold Out	Sold Out
Sneaker Politics	Sold Out	Sold Out
Concepts	Sold Out	Sold Out
TAKOUT NY	Sold Out	Sold Out
A Ma Maniere	Raffle Closed	Raffle Closed
Oneness	Raffle Closed	Raffle Closed
Social Status	Raffle Closed	Raffle Closed
APB	Raffle Closed	Raffle Closed
Packer	Raffle Closed	Raffle Closed
Shiekh	In Store Only	Offline Only
Shoe Palace	In Store Only	Offline Only
Sesinko	Raffle Closed	Raffle Closed
DTLR	In Store Only	Offline Only
Lapstone & Hammer	In Store Only	Offline Only
KITH	Sold Out	Sold Out

Show All Releases

Get on the Where to Buy list

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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.