Nike displays 'Year of the Mamba' Collection for 2025

As previously reported by Under The Laces, Nike is set to release a new variation of the Nike Kobe Protro 5 this week in the 'Eggplant' colorway. In addition to the exciting drop, Nike as a brand has revealed the layout for 2025 regarding upcoming Kobe Bryant shoe releases. Labeled as the 'Year of the Mamba' Collection, Nike is prepared to deliver unique hooping shoes for fans of the Kobe Bryant X Nike line of footwear and athletic wear. A total of 4 sneakers are set to release in the collection and new apparel will drop alongside the shoes. 

With the intention catering to 2025 being labeled as the year of the snake in the Chinese zodiac, the spirit of the Black Mamba is displaying itself as well. The two Year of the Mamba pairs are set to kick off the year, with the 'Eggplant' and 'University Red’ variants of the classic basketball sneaker released first. Both colorways showcase a golden snake in homage to Bryant and the Chinese zodiac.  Special packaging has been made with red and golden designs to complete the look and truly make the sneaker feel like a big deal. Sadly, the 'University Red' style is exclusive to China, as for me, it is the better looking of the two while both are nice to add to the collection.

The 'Mamba Mentality' slogan and lifestyle are heavily displayed in the clothing for this collection, as they can be seen on the apparel alongside the golden snake decal that was seen previously on the Kobe Protro 5 sneakers. The full collection features a crewneck, fleece pants, and a t-shirt. 

Aside from the Protro 5 sneakers set to release in January, Nike is also dropping the Kobe 6 Protro 'All-Star 2.0' featuring an all-white look with a snakeskin layer on top coating the sneaker. The Kobe 9 Elite Protro “Masterpiece” also joins the fray of sneakers in the collection, featuring a black base and multicolored toebox area, mostly in red, orange, and pink hues. The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro “Masterpiece” is slated to release on February 8, and the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.0” will follow up a couple of days after on February 13 to accommodate for NBA All-Star Weekend as one of the big drops that usually come with the weekend. I personally am very excited for the collection as I am sure all of you are as well. Always good to see a legendary legacy continue in regards to the Mamba.