That obsessive drive toward betterment takes form in Nike’s New Year of Mamba collection of Kobe apparel and footwear, which intertwines the legendary Mamba mentality with the rich cultural symbolism of Lunar Year 2025 and the Year of the Snake.
American footwear manufacturer Nike’s ‘Year of the Mamba’ collection celebrates Kobe Bryant’s Mamba mentality, challenging athletes to embrace toughness and relentless pursuit of greatness.
The collection includes the Kobe 5 Protro ‘Year of Mamba’ with innovative features, apparel honoring Kobe’s legacy, and the Details Collection re-imagining classic designs.
“This collection is an introduction to the Year of the Mamba — and, for our younger athletes, a deeper education on Mamba Mentality and the tenacity Kobe brought to the game,” said Bronson Yim, product line manager, Kobe footwear. “With this capsule, we’re not extending athletes a year of good luck. We’re not saying, ‘Have a good year.’ We’re challenging athletes to have a tough year, proving to themselves that they can channel the Mamba mentality to unlock their goals.”
At the centre of the collection is the Kobe 5 Protro ‘Year of Mamba’, which adds a forefoot Zoom Air unit and Protro midfoot foam to an iconic silhouette known for its combination of lightweight performance and standard-setting court feel, the company said in a press release.
These Nike Basketball innovations are paired with an iridescent ‘Eggplant’ launch colourway that provides a familiar, elevated look, complete with graphic references to Kobe’s career and a nod to the Year of the Snake, inscribed in Mandarin on the tongue. An additional ‘University Red’ colourway will be available exclusively in China.
A premium Kobe jacket leads the apparel collection, incorporating a satin-like material that protects against rain and a quilted interior that delivers comfort and warmth. An embroidered pattern on the back of the jacket pays homage to Kobe’s five championships and the work it took to win them, with a snake entangling five rings and a call to Kobe’s Mamba mentality. Similar motifs anchor the T-shirt, crew and fleece pants that comprise the rest of the collection.
“We know athletes are inspired to live and breathe Mamba mentality, and this collection extends that mindset off the court with Kobe lifestyle apparel rooted in Nike basketball performance,” said Treniere Moser, director, Kobe apparel. “Mamba mentality doesn’t stop when you leave the gym, and this collection is designed to reflect that tenacity in sport and life — helping athletes achieve their dreams during the Year of the Mamba.”
Joining the Year of Mamba apparel later this winter is the Details Collection, which is inspired by Kobe’s ability to fine tune every aspect of his game and make it better. From transforming the traditional on-court tear-away pant into a modern pleated look, to reimagining the classic shooting shirt as a dress, each piece in the collection takes something familiar and pushes it into the unexpected, re-imagining the familiar material of basketball mesh and incorporating insider references to Kobe’s career.
Further honouring Kobe’s legacy and challenging the next generation to live by Mamba Mentality are the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro ‘Masterpiece’ and Kobe VI Protro ‘Sail’ — beloved silhouettes restyled to meet the moment of today.
Ten years after its initial release, the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro has been updated with a contemporary React foam midsole and new traction pattern on the inside of the foot while carrying forward the Flyknit upper athletes know and love. The Kobe VI Protro, meanwhile, advances the silhouette’s legacy with two new colourways: one honouring Kobe and his namesake NBA All-Star Game trophy with a star-studded upper and another referencing a mamba shedding its skin.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)