Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro 'Game Royal' (2025)

The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro 'Game Royal' (2025) marks the next chapter in Nike Basketball’s homage to the Black Mamba, blending performance engineering with a commemorative colorway that underscores Kobe Bryant’s enduring legacy. This updated Protro model brings back the original low-top Elite Engineered Mesh (EM) construction with modern enhancements tailored for today’s athletes while maintaining the sleek, aggressive design that defined the original Kobe 9 Elite Low.OverviewReleasing in 2025, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro 'Game Royal' arrives dressed in a vivid “Game Royal” colorway that pays homage to Kobe’s relentless intensity on the court. The upper is crafted from breathable Engineered Mesh for lightweight support, enhanced with Flywire cables for a secure lockdown fit. A black midsole provides contrast, grounded by a translucent outsole that mirrors the pressure-mapped traction pattern of the original release, allowing for multidirectional grip. Staying true to the Protro concept—“performance retro”—Nike fine-tunes the midsole cushioning with updated Zoom Air technology, offering a more responsive ride. Signature branding includes Kobe’s sheath logo on the tongue and his signature on the heel counter, rounding out the shoe’s tribute to one of basketball’s greatest.Key Highlights• Vibrant 'Game Royal' Colorway: A bold blue upper contrasted with black and white accents makes this a visually striking Protro edition.• Protro Performance Enhancements: Updated Zoom Air cushioning and refined midsole engineering improve responsiveness and comfort over the original 2014 version.• Engineered Mesh Upper with Flywire Support: Lightweight and breathable, the EM upper is reinforced with Flywire cables for secure lockdown during play.