Jalen Brunson made a statement in his first NBA All-Star Game start, hitting the court in the highly-coveted Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba.” Dressed in intense black, this ultra-sleek sneaker has captivated fans ever since Vanessa Bryant teased it on Instagram and Brunson’s choice to wear it on one of the NBA’s biggest stages only heightened the demand.
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” collection is a bold tribute to Kobe Bryant’s relentless drive and legendary work ethic. While previous iterations like the “Eggplant/Black/Metallic Gold” and “University Red/Black/Metallic Gold” colorways already made waves in the sneaker community, this “Black” edition elevates the collection to new heights.
The design is a perfect embodiment of the “Black Mamba” persona, featuring an all-black upper with a mix of glossy synthetic panels and matte textures. The signature snake-scale detailing wraps around the Swoosh, reinforcing the predatory, stealth-like aesthetic that Kobe was known for. A striking gold Sheath logo on the tongue adds a touch of contrast, making the sneaker feel even more like an exclusive collector’s piece.
Despite the overwhelming anticipation for this design, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” remains a Player Exclusive model, meaning a public release is unlikely.
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