Two weeks ahead of its long-anticipated release, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro “What The” has finally received its first official visual confirmation, and it comes straight from Vanessa Bryant. Taking to Instagram, Bryant shared the latest pair of Kobe sneakers, revealing that the 2025 version will remain faithful to its original 2015 iteration. The image has sparked immediate excitement among fans, not only for its nostalgic value but for the confirmation that the shoe’s distinctive multi-color aesthetic will be returning untouched.
SNEAKERS
Initially introduced in 2015, the “What The” colorway of the Kobe 9 Elite gained immediate popularity for its mash-up design that combines various elements from earlier Kobe 9 releases. Its chaotic yet intentional design made it a collector’s piece then, and the Protro edition is set to do the same now, particularly as it marks the 10-year anniversary of the silhouette. Rumors about the return began circulating late last year, but it wasn’t until this week’s post by Vanessa Bryant that fans finally received visual confirmation.
Kobe 9 Elite Protro “What The” is expected to return Summer 2025 🐍
📄FZ7335-101
🎨White/Reflective Silver/Chlorine Blue/Black
📅Summer 2025*Based on color blocking its expected to be a re release of the Kobe 9 what the, however since its a new SKU and blocking, I am… pic.twitter.com/ag4mV05gHi
— Romeo (@EldenMonitors) June 10, 2024
While Nike has not yet officially announced the release on its own channels, all signs now point to an April 13 drop, the same day the Kobe 8 Protro “What The” is expected to hit shelves. Both pairs will be released via Nike SNKRS and select global retailers, with the Kobe 9 Elite Protro priced at $300 USD.
By reviving it in its original form, Nike is clearly aiming to honor the legacy of the silhouette without any unnecessary revisions. The chaotic harmony of colors, materials, and patterns that defined the original release has been carefully preserved, which is likely to satisfy longtime collectors.
Name: Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro “What The”
Colorway: White/Reflective Silver/Chlorine Blue/Black
SKU: FZ7335-101
MSRP: $300 USD
Release Date: April 13
Where to Buy: Nike
