That obsessive drive toward improvement takes shape in Nike's New Year of Mamba collection of Kobe apparel and footwear, which weaves the legendary Mamba mentality with the rich cultural symbolism of Lunar Year 2025 and the Year of the Snake.
American footwear maker Nike's 'Year of the Mamba' collection celebrates Kobe Bryant's Mamba mentality, challenging athletes to embrace toughness and the relentless pursuit of greatness. The collection includes the Kobe 5 Protro 'Year of Mamba' with innovative features, garments that pay tribute to Kobe's legacy and the Details Collection that reimagines classic designs.
“This collection is an introduction to the Year of the Mamba and, for our youngest athletes, a deeper education about the Mamba mentality and the tenacity Kobe brought to the game,” he said. Bronson Yim, Product Line Manager, Kobe Footwear. “With this capsule, we do not extend athletes a year of good luck. We're not saying, 'Have a good year.' “We are challenging athletes to have a tough year, proving to themselves that they can channel the Mamba mentality to achieve their goals.”
At the center of the collection is the Kobe 5 Protro 'Year of Mamba', which adds a forefoot Zoom Air unit and midfoot Protro foam to an iconic silhouette known for its combination of lightweight performance and on-court feel that sets standards, the company said in a news release.
These Nike Basketball innovations are paired with an iridescent “Eggplant” release colorway that delivers 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' colorway will be available exclusively in China.
A premium Kobe jacket headlines the apparel collection, incorporating a satin-like material that protects against rain and a padded interior that provides 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, T-shirt and fleece pants that make up the rest of the collection.
“We know athletes are inspired to live and breathe the Mamba mentality, and this collection extends that mentality off the court with Kobe lifestyle apparel based on Nike basketball performance,” he said. Treniere Moser, Kobe apparel director. “The 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 the Mamba apparel later this winter will be the Details Collection, which is inspired by Kobe's ability to fine-tune every aspect of his game and improve it. From transforming the traditional court pant into a modern pleated look, to reimagining the classic shooting jersey as a dress, each piece in the collection takes something familiar and takes it to the unexpected, reimagining the familiar material of basketball. mesh and incorporating internal references to Kobe's career.
Further honoring Kobe's legacy and challenging the next generation to live the Mamba Mentality are the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro 'Masterpiece' and Kobe VI Protro 'Sail', beloved silhouettes redesigned to fit today's moment.
Ten years after its initial release, the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro has been updated with a contemporary React foam midsole and a new traction pattern on the inside of the foot, while maintaining the Flyknit upper that athletes know and love. Meanwhile, the Kobe VI Protro advances the silhouette's legacy with two new colorways: one that pays homage to Kobe and his namesake NBA All-Star Game trophy with a star-studded upper and another that references a mamba that sheds its skin.
Fiber2Fashion (RR) News Desk
