Andrew Rizzo Updated June 19th, 2024: Additional information has just emerged regarding the Nike Kobe 5 Protro in question. Counter to our original reporting, the “Year of the Mamba” is the narrative inspiration for this pair. With Jordan “Year of the Snake” releases already shaping up months ahead of time, this shoe will slide in comfortably along that. While initial mock-ups depict a gold snake weaving across the shoe, it’s important to note that as always, only color information is fully tied down. In this case, it’s the same blend of “University Red,” “Black” & “Metallic Gold.” You can catch the mock-up in question up top via @zsneakerheadz.
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Mens Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro "Year of the Mamba – Red"
US 01/18/2025 Saturday
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| KICKS CREW | Aftermarket | Aftermarket |
| Nike SNKRS US | Standard | Check Site |
The below article was originally posted on May 9th, 2024:
Will 2025 be the year of the Nike Kobe 5? It’s far too early to tell, but recent developments suggest the Mamba’s fifth signature will play a big role in the brand’s basketball slate next year. We recently covered news about an upcoming “Eggplant” colorway, and now news of a “University Red” pair dropping in Spring 2025 has us excited as it could potentially be tied to one of Kobe’s most rewarding achievements off the court.
At this juncture, we only know about the shoe’s release season, price ($190 for adult, $120 for GS according to Sole Retriever), and color palette; it will feature “University Red/Black/Metallic Gold,” but the design could actualize in any number of ways. A mock-up by @brandon1an provides an educated guess based on past Kobe 5 colorways.
Given the fact that the shoes release in Spring 2025, it’s possible they tie in with the Academy Awards on March 2nd of next year. For the uninformed, Kobe won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 2018 for his production “Dear Basketball.” The palette of reference here certainly fits a red carpet theme and specifically the uppermost photo of Kobe, wife Vanessa, and the Oscar in hand, but more context from the minds over in Beaverton will clear up all speculation as we creep closer to a release.
Tap our Sneaker Release Dates page for all the latest updates while we keep our ears up for new information. Transitioning to another Spring 2025 drop, check out the Nike Kobe 6 “Sail.”
