How does the Protro differ from the original Kobe 9 EM?

The Protro version updates the cushioning and materials for a more responsive, comfortable ride while keeping the low-cut shape and Engineered Mesh upper of the original.

Is this shoe good for outdoor courts?

It is built mainly for indoor play. The outsole grips best on clean hardwood, and outdoor concrete will wear it down faster.

Does it fit true to size?

It runs snug through the midfoot, so most players stay with their usual Nike size; wide-footed players may want to try it on first.

What kind of player is it made for?

Guards and wings who want a light, low shoe with court feel and quick traction. Bigger players usually want more cushioning and ankle support.

The pair of shoes, with the standard laces already fitted. No extra insoles or accessories are included.

Where is the Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade" cheapest?

At Walmart, for $161.86, as of our latest check.

Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade"

Best price now

$161.86at WalmartChecked Nov 8

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade"

Best price now

$161.86at WalmartChecked Nov 8

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $161.86 at Walmart on Nov 8.

Our take on the Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade"

The Kobe 9 EM Low Protro is Nike's modernized take on Kobe Bryant's low-cut performance basketball shoe. It pairs a breathable Engineered Mesh upper with Flywire cables for lockdown and a Protro-updated cushioning setup for more responsiveness than the original. The low profile and grippy outsole suit guards and wings who want court feel and quick cuts. Against newer signature guards' shoes it trades some plush cushioning for lightness and a close-to-floor ride, and players who liked the original Kobe 9 EM tend to rate the Protro version as a faithful upgrade.

Best forGuards and wings who want a low-cut, quick-feeling shoePlayers who liked the original Kobe 9 EMIndoor court players who value traction and court feelKobe fans and collectors of the Protro line

Pros

Breathable Engineered Mesh upper keeps the foot cool
Flywire cables add lateral lockdown
Low cut allows full ankle mobility
Protro updates improve cushioning over the original
Strong multidirectional traction on clean courts

Cons

Minimal cushioning compared with max-stack rivals
Little ankle coverage for players who want support
Mesh upper offers limited structure on hard cuts
Light-colored midsole and mesh show dirt quickly

Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade" prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Stadium GoodsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$161.86Free shippingChecked Nov 8
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What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers treat the Kobe 9 EM Low Protro as a solid on-court performer, praising its light, low ride, breathable upper and grip. The main complaints are modest cushioning and thin support for bigger or heavier players.

What people mention

TractionPraisedReviewers say the outsole grips well on clean indoor courts and holds up through quick cuts.
CushioningMixedSome find the Protro setup responsive and low, while heavier players call it firm and thin.
FitPraisedOwners report a snug, locked-in fit once laced, with Flywire helping contain the foot.
BreathabilityPraisedThe Engineered Mesh upper is described as airy and comfortable over long sessions.
SupportCriticisedPlayers wanting ankle coverage or structure for hard lateral moves find the low cut and thin upper lacking.

About the Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade"

The Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade" is a low-top basketball shoe. It has a breathable Engineered Mesh (EM) upper with a gradient that moves from Thunder Blue to Daybreak. Laser Orange accents appear on the Swoosh and the Flywire cables.

The shoe uses Protro technology for responsiveness and comfort.

Brand: Nike
Model: Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade"
Style: Low-top basketball sneaker
Upper: Engineered Mesh (EM), breathable
Colorway: Thunder Blue / Laser Orange / Football Grey / Daybreak
Midsole: Football Grey
Technology: Protro cushioning, Flywire cables
Shoe size: 11

Specifications

shoe_size: 11Source
color: GraySource
actual_color: Thunder Blue / Laser Orange / Football Grey / DaybreakSource

Questions and answers

How does the Protro differ from the original Kobe 9 EM?: The Protro version updates the cushioning and materials for a more responsive, comfortable ride while keeping the low-cut shape and Engineered Mesh upper of the original.
Is this shoe good for outdoor courts?: It is built mainly for indoor play. The outsole grips best on clean hardwood, and outdoor concrete will wear it down faster.
Does it fit true to size?: It runs snug through the midfoot, so most players stay with their usual Nike size; wide-footed players may want to try it on first.
What kind of player is it made for?: Guards and wings who want a light, low shoe with court feel and quick traction. Bigger players usually want more cushioning and ankle support.
What is in the box?: The pair of shoes, with the standard laces already fitted. No extra insoles or accessories are included.
Where is the Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro "Fade" cheapest?: At Walmart, for $161.86, as of our latest check.