Nike Kobe 9 Low
Fan Average
Review Average
Review Consensus
Reviewers rank the Kobe 9's traction among the best ever made, though it picks up dust and needs regular wiping. The React drop-in midsole gives a lively, responsive ride with good court feel, but it can feel firm before it warms up and some players find the forefoot cushioning thin. The fit is narrow and snug with strong lockdown, and performance closely matches the Elite Low Protro.
Release Date: May 1, 2025
The Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro is the engineered mesh low-top version of Kobe Bryant’s ninth signature shoe, which first released in spring 2014 and returned in Protro form with the “Mambacita” colourway on May 1, 2025. The Protro keeps the original silhouette, cable lacing and traction pattern, while updating the tooling with a Nike React drop-in midsole. Its engineered mesh upper takes the place of the Flyknit used on the Elite version. It launched at a retail price of $180, with later colourways listed at $190.
