An In-Hand Look Shows the Gradient on the Upcoming Nike Kobe 9 Low EM Protro Hornets
PublishedQuick Facts
- The colorway is defined by its teal-to-purple gradient moving across the one-piece mesh from toe to heel
- The jersey-matching blend adds deep purple to the laces and the midsole accents, with white covering the rest of the midsole, the Swoosh, and the Kobe sheath logos on the tongue to add some contrast
- The Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro Hornets will be released Summer 2026
If you’re new around here or to NBA fandom in general, you are forgiven for not knowing Kobe Bryant’s connection to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite playing his entire year in purple and gold, Kobe was originally drafted by the Hornets, but was immediately traded to the Lakers in one of the most consequential draft night deals in league history.
The Nike Kobe 9 Low EM Protro Hornets is the latest sneaker from Nike’s Kobe line calling back to the sliding doors possibilities of Kobe’s draft day. After getting word that the colorway was coming down the pike last fall, a new in-hand preview quickly surpassed our expectations, adding a clean gradient mix to the engineered mesh upper.
The colorway is defined by its teal-to-purple gradient moving across the one-piece mesh from toe to heel. The jersey-matching blend adds deep purple to the laces and the midsole accents, with white covering the rest of the midsole, the Swoosh, and the Kobe sheath logos on the tongue to add some contrast.
The Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro Hornets will be released Summer 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $190. Download the Sole Retriever App for all the latest Nike Kobe news.
Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro Hornets
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
