Nike unveiled its latest initiative, the Year of the Mamba, as a striking celebration of Kobe Bryant‘s enduring legacy and the Mamba Mentality that defined his career. Launching in January 2025, the collection fuses Kobe’s fearless approach to life with the Lunar New Year’s cultural significance, marking the Year of the Snake. This initiative challenges athletes worldwide to embrace discomfort and push their limits, mirroring Kobe’s unrelenting drive for greatness.
At the forefront of this collection is the Kobe 5 Protro “Year of Mamba”, a shoe reimagined to enhance performance on the court. It features a forefoot Zoom Air unit paired with Protro midfoot foam for optimized energy return and cushioning. The iridescent “Eggplant” colorway adds a striking visual element, while Mandarin characters on the tongue signify the Year of the Snake, deepening the shoe’s symbolic connection to both Kobe’s legacy and the cultural celebration. Additionally, an exclusive “University Red” version will release in China.
Cutting-Edge Footwear and Performance
Two highly anticipated footwear models accompany the Year of Mamba collection. The Kobe 9 Elite High Protro “Masterpiece” takes inspiration from its original 2014 release, featuring an upgraded React foam midsole and enhanced traction. Designed for durability and explosive movement, the Flyknit upper remains a hallmark of this model, ensuring comfort and flexibility. Meanwhile, the Kobe VI Protro “Sail” offers modern reinterpretations with two unique colorways: one celebrating Kobe’s All-Star Game achievements and another symbolizing a snake shedding its skin, emphasizing personal growth and transformation.
Apparel: Style Meets Performance
The Year of Mamba collection also includes apparel crafted for both performance and lifestyle. A premium Kobe jacket headlines the offering, showcasing a satin-like exterior with rain protection and a quilted lining for warmth. The back design features an embroidered snake entwined around five rings, symbolizing Kobe’s championship victories and relentless work ethic. Complementing the jacket are a T-shirt, fleece pant, and crew sweatshirt, each adorned with subtle Mamba-inspired motifs.
Treniere Moser, Nike’s Director of Kobe Apparel, highlighted the collection’s versatility: “This line extends Mamba Mentality beyond the court, offering athletes the tools to channel Kobe’s tenacity in every aspect of their lives.”
The Details Collection
Debuting in February 2025, the Details Collection focuses on refining traditional basketball attire through innovative design. Key pieces include pleated reinterpretations of tear-away pants and a shooting shirt transformed into an avant-garde dress. These designs incorporate basketball mesh materials and hidden nods to Kobe’s career.
Mamba Mentality in Action
Nike has extended the Year of the Mamba into its digital platform, offering weekly Kobe-inspired workouts through the Nike App. Athletes can follow the “Kobe Interest” channel to test their mental and physical resilience.
Release Dates and Availability
The Kobe 5 Protro Year of Mamba collection will debut globally on January 9, 2025, through Nike’s website and select retail locations. The Kobe 9 Elite High Protro “Masterpiece” and the Details Collection will follow on February 8, with the Kobe VI Protro “Sail” releasing on February 13.
