Nike Kobe 5 Protro

The Kobe 5 Protro is a basketball sneaker designed by Nike for former basketball legend Kobe Bryant. It first debuted towards the tail end of 2019 in Asia, before launching worldwide at the start of 2020 with the revival of the “Chaos” colorway inspired by Bryant’s admiration for Heath Ledger’s role as the Joker in “The Dark Knight.”

Constructionally, it is formed to the exact low-profile shape as the original Zoom Kobe 5 that first released in 2009. In most colorways, it comes built with synthetic uppers held together by Nike’s Flywire technology, snake-like overlays running down its throat, and a plastic heel counter. Branding is typically present atop the side walls which host its Swooshes, the Mamba logo atop the tongues, and Kobe’s hand-written signature at the rear.

Nike Basketball had plans to release multiple colorways of the Kobe 5 Protro throughout the year 2020, but because of the unexpected passing of the Lakers Hall of Famer towards the end of January, their plans were understandably put on hold. The folks over at the Swoosh announced their plans to celebrate the life of Bryant through “Mamba Week” at the end of August 2020, culminating in a half dozen new editions dispersed through that short window.

The entire Nike Kobe line paused Kobe’s deal with Nike lapsed. That hiatus ended when Vanessa Bryant re-upped said contract on behalf of the Mamba’s estate, but the Kobe 5 Protro remained on ice for an extended period nonetheless. It finally returned to shelves with the “X-Ray” colorway inspired by Bryant’s unrelenting dedication to winning, even at the cost of injury.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Kobe 5 Protro will remain busy. “Draft Day” and two “Year of the Mamba” editions in “Eggplant” and “University Red.” While the silhouette supplants typical SNKRS releases with retail drops, the coveted nature of Bryant’s line means raffles and exclusive launches are the norm. Given that, keep an eye out for our “Where To Buy” breakdowns to stay current on which stores are hosting draws.

Scroll below to find out the latest information about its upcoming releases, including release dates and colorways.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro

Nike Kobe 9 Elite “Masterpiece” Unveiled In “Year Of The Mamba” Announcement

Nike has officially unveiled the Nike “Year Of The Mamba” collection highlighted by four incredible pieces of footwear artwork. In unveiling this collection, Nike provides...

By John Kim January 7, 2025
19482

The Nike Kobe 5 “Year Of The Mamba” In Red Is Exclusive To China

Timing for the Kobe Brand could not be better as 2025 marks the Year Of The Snake on the Chinese zodiac calendar. With the connection...

By Sneaker News January 6, 2025
22247

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

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...

By Andrew Rizzo December 31, 2024
12070

Nike Increases Prices For The Kobe 5 Protro “Year Of The Mamba”

The fifth model of the Kobe legacy will be back in a big way in 2025, kicking off with a “Year Of The Mamba” Kobe...

By Sneaker News November 6, 2024
4285

Detailed Look At The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year Of The Mamba”

Updated October 24th, 2024: A detailed look at the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year Of The Mamba” has been shared by @chriscolgan. The shoes are...

By Matt Varga October 17, 2024
8740

Where To Buy The Nike Kobe 5 “X-Ray”

One of the most hotly anticipated Halloween shoes of 2024 is finally about to release. Following teasers as early as July, the Nike Kobe 5...

By Andrew Rizzo October 16, 2024
18116

First Look At The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Draft Day”

Among the more compelling What If plot-lines in sports history is if Kobe Bryant was never traded from the Charlotte Hornets, the team that originally...

By Sneaker News October 8, 2024
6858

Where To Buy The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “X-Ray”

Updated October 16th, 2024: A SNKRS Pass for the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “X-Ray” will go live today at 1:15 PM ET at select locations....

By Sneaker News October 3, 2024
14044

Detailed Look At The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year Of The Mamba”

Updated September 18th, 2024: New images of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year Of The Mamba” have surfaced, revealing some previously unseen details. Chiefly, the...

By Sneaker News September 6, 2024
6631