Honestly, if you’ve been following the sneaker world for more than five minutes, you know that the Lunar New Year is usually just an excuse for brands to slap some red silk on a mid-top and call it a day. But the Kobe 5 Year of the Snake (officially dubbed the "Year of the Mamba" for 2025) feels personal. It’s not just about a zodiac sign. It’s the convergence of the Chinese calendar and the literal identity of the man who turned a snake into a global symbol of grit.
Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a fan of the moniker; he lived it. So when Nike announced they were dropping a Kobe 5 Protro to celebrate the Year of the Snake, the hype wasn't just noise. It was a realization that we were finally getting a "Snake" colorway that actually felt like it belonged on the Black Mamba’s feet.
The Two-Headed Attack: Eggplant vs. University Red
Nike didn't just give us one version. They went with a dual-release strategy that caused some serious stress for collectors.
First, there’s the Eggplant colorway. Released globally around January 9, 2025, this pair is a vibe. It uses a deep, iridescent purple that shifts under the gym lights, paired with a massive gold snake graphic that coils around the lateral Swoosh. It’s flashy but in a "I'm going to drop 40 on you" kind of way.
Then you have the University Red version. This one was a China-exclusive release on January 18, 2025, and man, it is loud. It trades the purple for a rich, regal red and adds even more gold accents. If the Eggplant is the "Black Mamba" lurking in the shadows, the Red version is the celebration of the five rings he won.
Both pairs retailed for $190, though if you’re looking for them now in early 2026, you’re definitely paying the "aftermarket tax."
Why the Kobe 5 Still Dominates the Court
You ever wonder why guys like Devin Booker or Caitlin Clark still choose a shoe from 2009?
It’s the weight. Or lack thereof.
The Kobe 5 was a pioneer. Eric Avar and Kobe basically looked at soccer cleats and wondered why basketball players were clunking around in heavy high-tops. They stripped it down. They made it low. They made it fast.
The Protro (Performance Retro) version of the Kobe 5 Year of the Snake isn't just a 1:1 copy of the original. Nike updated the tech:
- Zoom Air Turbo: Unlike the tiny unit in the original, the Protro uses a large, flexible Zoom unit in the forefoot that follows the shape of your foot.
- Cushlon Foam: They swapped the old Phylon for Cushlon, which feels way more "springy" and doesn't bottom out as fast.
- The Outsole: It still has that iconic "heartbeat" traction pattern. It sticks to the hardwood like glue, though be warned: it loves to pick up dust.
The "Year of the Mamba" vs. Previous Snake Releases
We’ve seen snake-themed Kobes before. Back in 2013, the Year of the Snake gave us those wild Kobe 8s with the "Port Wine" and "Red Camo" looks. Those were cool, but they felt like "lifestyle" shoes.
The 2025 Kobe 5 Year of the Snake feels like a return to the elite performance roots. It’s a shoe designed for the "grinders." You know, the people who actually spend three hours on a Saturday practicing footwork.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking these are "soft" shoes. They aren't. Out of the box, the synthetic "skin-fuse" upper is stiff as a board. You’ve gotta put the work in to break them in. But once they mold to your foot? It’s basically a second skin.
Spotting the Details (Don't Get Scammed)
Since these are high-demand, the market is flooded with fakes. If you’re hunting for a pair of the Kobe 5 Year of the Snake right now, look at the tongue. The "Year of the Snake" is inscribed in Mandarin characters—it should be crisp, not blurry.
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Also, check the dust bag. These came with a specific red and gold satin bag featuring the numbers 8 and 24. If someone is selling you a pair in a plain orange Nike box without the specific "Year of the Mamba" graphics, walk away.
Getting Your Hands on a Pair
If you missed the initial drop, you have a few options, but none of them are cheap.
- Secondary Markets: Places like GOAT and StockX are your best bet, but expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $400 depending on the size.
- Local Sneaker Cons: Sometimes you can find a better deal in person where you can actually inspect the iridescent finish and the Flywire strength.
- Patience: Nike has been more consistent with Kobe releases lately. While this specific "Year of the Snake" might not restock, other Kobe 5 colorways (like the rumored Dodgers pair) are on the horizon for late 2026.
Your Next Steps:
If you're buying these to play in, order a half-size up. The Kobe 5 is notorious for being narrow, and that synthetic upper doesn't stretch much. If you're buying for the collection, keep them out of direct sunlight—that "Eggplant" iridescence can fade or yellow if you leave it in a window display.
Most importantly, if you do get them, wear them. Kobe hated seeing his shoes sit in boxes. They were built to be played in.