Nike officially launches 'Year of the Mamba' collection with Kobe-inspired footwear and apparel: All you need to know

Nike's "Year of the Mamba" footwear and clothing collection will shortly include the upcoming Lunar New Year-themed Kobe 5 releases.

Nike has now announced that the corresponding "University Red" colorway will premiere exclusively in China, although we already know that the "Eggplant" Kobe 5 will begin dropping on Thursday, January 9.

Along with the sneakers, the collection also has fleece pants, a T-shirt, a crewneck, and a matching "Year of the Mamba" jacket.

On February 8, the Kobe 9 Elite High "Masterpiece" will be re-released in Protro form, adding additional traction on the inside and an upgraded React foam midsole.

The "Sail" Kobe 6 Protro, which has an All-Star motif, will arrive on February 13 to wrap out the drops.

Bronson Yim, Product Line Manager, Kobe Footwear said: "This collection is an introduction to the Year of the Mamba — and, for our younger athletes, a deeper education on Mamba Mentality and the tenacity Kobe brought to the game."

He continued: "With this capsule, we’re not extending athletes a year of good luck. We’re not saying, ‘Have a good year.’ We’re challenging athletes to have a tough year, proving to themselves that they can channel Mamba Mentality to unlock their goals."

Let's take a look at the footwear from the collection

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Nike 'Year of the Mamba' collection

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro “Masterpiece”

This updated classic, which pays homage to the original 2013 colorway, will launch on February 8, 2025. The classic Flyknit construction of the high-top design is enhanced with cutting-edge materials and technology.

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Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” (Eggplant)

This purple and gold shoe, which will be available on January 9, 2025, has a detailed snake embroidery that represents power and rebirth for the Lunar New Year.

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Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” (University Red)

This red version, which will be available on January 18, 2025, reflects the design features of the eggplant edition while including striking, colorful hues that have their roots in Eastern customs. It will be available exclusively in China.

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Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star”

This design, which celebrates Kobe's exceptional All-Star Game performances, reimagines the snakeskin theme of the Kobe 6 with star-shaped scales and will debut on February 13, 2025.

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SNKRS and a few other Nike stores will carry every pair in the "Year Of The Mamba" collection. This DVD offers fans a modernized version of history while honoring Kobe's famous influence both on and off the court.

The "Year of the Mamba" collection, four classic shoe designs influenced by Kobe Bryant, has finally been announced by Nike. This collection blends modern upgrades with vintage nostalgia to celebrate important events in early 2025.