Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” Drops in Bold University Red Colorway
The new year is here and Nike Basketball is wasting no time in rolling out their Lunar New Year campaigns. Kicking things off this week is the release of the first Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” colorway, with the “University Red” iteration set to drop the following week. Official imagery of the kicks has been released, showcasing the red and gold build that we previously detailed, as well as the pair’s special shoe box and carrying bag. The release is now anticipated for January 18 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers, with an adjusted retail price of $200 USD.
Nike Basketball’s 2025 Plans Include a Bigger Role for the Kobe Line
As we look ahead to Nike Basketball’s 2025 plans, the Kobe line is expected to play an even bigger role after growing nearly four times in size during Nike’s last fiscal year. The Kobe 5 and 9 Elite Protro are two of the latest silhouettes to return, with the former set to celebrate the Year of the Snake in an already-spotted purple colorway, as well as a bold “University Red” iteration. The lateral Swoosh features a golden snake wrapping around it, while the toe and tongue detailing also receive hits of gold. The majority of the upper and midsole are covered in a bright “University Red” color. Release plans for both “Year of the Mamba” colorways have not been announced by Nike Basketball, but we can expect the “University Red” style to drop on January 16 of next year via Nike SNKRS and select retailers, with a starting price of $190 USD. Stay tuned for updates and official imagery of both pairs.
