Nike’s Kobe line continues to revamp past models with new Protro forms, rehashing some beloved silhouettes for a new era. This week, the Kobe 9 EM has surfaced in a new release, donning a “Hydrogen Blue” color scheme for February 2026.
Kobe releases from Nike have ramped up significantly in the past few years. After a hiatus following Bryant’s death in 2020, Nike went all in on their ‘Protro’ versions of the franchise, revamping 10+ year old shoes with brand new performance technologies, allowing Kobe’s game to live on on the modern NBA court. The Kobe 9 was one of the consistent releases of 2025, bringing back both the low- and high-top versions of the Flyknit silhouette in a range of both original and new color schemes. Now, Nike is set to reintroduce the EM variant, a style that ditched the usual knit uppers for an engineered mesh build. This week, we have our first early look at a new colorway for the Kobe 9 EM, which brings a palette of blue shades to the low-top version. The look comes mostly in a “Hydrogen Blue” shade, with accents added in darker Photo Blue.
NIKE KOBE 9 EM PROTRO “HYDROGEN BLUE” RELEASE INFORMATION
The next release of Nike’s Kobe 9 Protro will come in the EM (engineered mesh) format, currently expected to release on February 1st, 2026. The silhouette dons a light “Hydrogen Blue” for this release, accented by a darker Photo Blue shade. Pairs will be available from both Nike and select retailers, carrying a $190 price tag.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Hydrogen Blue”
Color: Hydrogen Blue/Light Photo Blue-White
Style Code: IH1401-402
Release Date: February 1st, 2026
Price: $190
Check out the early images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.
