Quick Facts
- More Nike Kobe 9 Protro EMs are dropping in 2026
- This pair features a reinforced toe in black, but the rest of the shoe shifts shades of purple
- A deep, dark sanded purple completes the tri-color blend on the midsole and support panels
- The Nike Kobe 9 Protro EM Purple Dynasty will be released January 1, 2026
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Like every major sneaker line, the Nike Kobe catalog is full of tiered releases. After bringing back the purple and black Kobe 9 Protro Elite Moonwalker for the Fall, Nike is following the interstellar retro with a takedown model on the Kobe 9 Protro EM, mixing more shades of royal purple for anyone who missed out on the Moonwalkers.
The Nike Kobe 9 Protro EM Purple features three different purples spread across the engineered mesh upper. The reinforced toe at the front of the shoe is done in black, but the rest of the shoe shifts shades of purple, with a purple dynasty tone on the one-piece mesh, a bright fierce purple on the sockliner, outsole, and the outline of the silver side panel Swoosh. Finally, a deep, dark sanded purple completes the tri-color blend on the midsole and support panels.
As the Kobe Protro journey continues, the 9 has emerged as one of the focuses of the Kobe line in 2026, with Charlotte Hornets and WNBA colorways on the way in the new year. With the constant rotation between NBA, NCAA, and WNBA seasons, the Nike Kobe line is always top of mind. Lately, Jalen Brunson’s dominant performances in Kobe 6 Protro PEs and Caitlin Clark’s return to the court in a USA Kobe 5 Protro PE are perfect examples.
The Nike Kobe 9 Protro EM Purple will be released January 1, 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $190. For all the latest Nike Kobe news, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
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
