The Kobe 9 always felt slightly ahead of everything else around it. Lightweight knit uppers, low-cut performance basketball design and that stripped-back precision Kobe pushed for before most brands fully caught up. Even now, it still looks futuristic.

This Protro version brings the silhouette back with updated tech underneath while keeping the original attitude intact. The engineered mesh upper stays light and breathable, while React cushioning replaces the older setup to give the shoe a faster, more responsive feel on-court. There’s also carbon fiber support through the heel for added stability during sharp movement, because Kobe shoes were never just about looking good.

The Orange Frost colourway gives the whole thing even more energy too. Bright, sharp and impossible to ignore once it hits the floor. Exactly the kind of Kobe release people pay attention to immediately.

• Nike Kobe IX Elite Low EM Protro
  
• Updated Protro setup
  
• React cushioning underneath
  
• Engineered mesh upper
  
• Carbon fiber heel support
  
• Built for quick cuts