2 colorways of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro on SoleBook.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro traces back to the Kobe 9, which launched in the 2014-15 NBA season as a bold departure from the low-top signature line Bryant had favored earlier in his career. The original Kobe 9 arrived as a high-top, built around Nike's Flyknit construction, a choice that surprised fans given Bryant's stated preference for low-cut hoops shoes. Nike eventually released a low-top version, the Kobe 9 Elite Low, giving players and sneakerheads the cut Bryant himself championed for court feel and speed. The "EM" designation refers to the Engineered Mesh upper, a lighter, more breathable alternative to the original Flyknit build. Years later, Nike revisited the model under its Protro banner, retooling the cushioning and outsole with modern Zoom Air tech while preserving the shoe's original silhouette and proportions. This Protro treatment, part of a broader effort to revive Bryant's catalog for both performance and lifestyle audiences, has made the Low EM Protro a recurring release since Bryant's passing in 2020. It's regarded among Kobe loyalists as one of the more technically dense entries in the line, balancing low-profile agility with retro-tech updates.