Nike reintroduces the Kobe 9 Low Protro EM China in the University Red and Metallic Gold colorway, marking the first return of this edition since its 2014 debut. The sneaker releases on November 22 for $190 USD, continuing the Kobe line’s legacy of innovation and flawless engineering for performance basketball.
The Kobe 9 Low Protro EM pays homage to Kobe Bryant’s long-standing relationship with China. Throughout his career, Bryant hosted numerous youth camps, clinics, and community events in the region, building a loyal following among Chinese basketball fans. This release acknowledges that connection through color, design, and detailing that reference Chinese symbolism and tradition.
The upper uses engineered mesh in University Red, creating a breathable, lightweight structure that reflects both function and aesthetic intent. Metallic Gold accents appear on the Swoosh and heel, adding contrast and depth, while black detailing reinforces the shoe’s bold profile. A unique two-snake motif on the tongue represents duality and balance, a recurring theme in Kobe’s design lineage that connects athletic discipline with personal philosophy.
Underfoot, the sneaker integrates Nike’s advanced Protro performance system. A drop-in React foam midsole enhances responsiveness and court feel, delivering a balance of speed and comfort. The carbon fiber plate within the outsole ensures lateral stability, supporting quick directional changes without excess weight. Multidirectional traction completes the setup, built for the explosive play that defined Kobe Bryant’s game.
Nike preserves the original silhouette’s proportions while refining its internal construction for modern performance. The engineered mesh enhances ventilation during intense play, while the React cushioning system upgrades the responsiveness from earlier iterations. Together, these updates bridge Kobe’s original design intent with current technology, creating a model suited for both collectors and athletes.
The University Red colorway draws from the 2014 “China” edition, linking the shoe’s visual identity to Kobe’s influence in international basketball. The combination of red, gold, and black reflects traditional Chinese color associations of energy, prosperity, and strength, reinterpreted through a contemporary design lens.
The Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro EM China releases globally on November 22, 2025, via Nike SNKRS and select retailers for $190 USD.
Model: Kobe 9 Low Protro EM China
Colorway: University Red/Metallic Gold/Black
SKU: IH1400-600
Price: 190.00 USD
Release Date: November 22
Available at: Nike and select retailers
