Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Eggplant"- January 9th

As 2024 saw a plethora of new releases for the Kobe Bryant X Nike brand, 2025 could be another wave of new installments and colorways for hoopers all over the world. While retro releases like the Moonwalker Kobe 9 and the What The Kobe 8 are both on the horizon, Nike is not stopping there as their basketball department is celebrating the arriving Lunar New Year with “Year Of The Mamba” Kobe gear as well as two new Kobe 5 Protros.

As these were slated to drop in February, things got shuffled around and fans can expect these on their feet a bit sooner with the new date being settled for January 9th. With many possibly looking to make their first sneaker purchase of the year, the Kobe 5 Protro "Eggplant" can easily be a top choice for those who are fans of the Lakers color scheme that Bryant dawned infamously throughout his illustrious career.  The sneakers feature a glossy purple look with a shiny gold snake-like figure layered atop it paying homage to the legendary mascot that Kobe made during his time in the league as 'The Black Mamba.' This is all, made on top of a black base and led into an icy blue sole that gives a great pop to the sneaker putting it all together as one package.

The sneakers will feature exclusive packaging and box completing the look for the Lunar New Year theme. It includes a red box with gold trim as color hits. As previously mentioned, the Nike X Kobe Protro 5 “Eggplant” colorway released officially on January 9th, 2025, and will be available in adult and GS sizes as well as an exclusive collection of Year Of The Mamba apparel from Nike.