Nike Kobe 5 Protro "LNY Eggplant" IB4481-500

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The Mamba legacy continues with the upcoming Nike Kobe 5 Protro “LNY Eggplant” colorway.

The Nike Kobe will be designed with an eggplant, black, and metallic gold color scheme, sticking true to the Lakers’ regal purple and gold. Additionally, as 2025 marks the year of the snake in the Lunar New Year, Mamba’s latest Protro will include a golden snake graphic wrapped around the shoe’s upper.

Close up with the new “Year of the Mamba” Nike Kobe 5 Protro CNY set for 2025 ? pic.twitter.com/h0SuZRZSQY

— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) September 18, 2024

Initially released in 2009, the Kobe 5 remains a staple in performance basketball footwear. Known for its sleek low-top design, the Kobe 5 contained the precedent set by the Kobe 4 in breaking the mold by shifting away from traditional high-tops, prioritizing speed and agility on the court. The sneaker features a lightweight upper, complemented by Flywire technology, providing a snug, locked-in fit. Nike Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot and heel delivers responsive impact protection, ideal for quick cuts and explosive moves. A durable rubber outsole with a multidirectional traction pattern ensures optimal grip on various surfaces.

Re-released as part of Nike’s Protro series, the Kobe 5 continues to honor Kobe Bryant’s legacy, blending modern tech with the classic aesthetic. Popular among both athletes and sneaker enthusiasts, it stands as a testament to Kobe’s influence on basketball culture and performance footwear innovation.

Bryant’s legacy will continue to live on with the latest iteration.

The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “LNY Eggplant” releases on February 8, 2025, for $200 via SNKRS and select retailers.

Keep it locked to Nice Kicks on Instagram and the Nike Kobe release dates page to stay on top of the latest news and drops.