They have arrived. The Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro are now available on TripleBasket in two colorways with different stories and different prices — but with the same legendary silhouette that accompanied Kobe Bryant in some of the most significant moments of his career.
Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro "Orange Frost" — €179
→ Buy the Kobe 9 Low Protro "Orange Frost" on TripleBasket — €179
The "Orange Frost" (IM6119-800) is the shoe that tells one of the most inspiring comebacks in sports history.
On April 12, 2013, Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles tendon in the game against the Golden State Warriors. He stayed on the court long enough to make two free throws — making both. Then he came back the following season. The Kobe 9 was the shoe that supported Black Mamba during that triumphant return, and this Protro updates it for today's players without losing any of that DNA.
The Orange Frost colorway brings a warm and bright palette — orange, Summit white, and Ice Peach — on a silhouette that is already legendary. The React foam in the midsole offers responsive cushioning and a feeling of connection to the court that Kobe sought in every shoe. The lightweight heel counter ensures lateral stability, while the rubber outsole with pressure mapping provides traction following the natural profile of the foot.
- Code: IM6119-800
- Weight: 365g (8.5 US)
- Fit: regular, comfortable width
- Price: 179.00 EUR
Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro EM "University Red - China" — €199
→ Buy the Kobe 9 Low Protro EM "University Red" on TripleBasket — €199
The "University Red and Metallic Gold" (IH1400-600) is a comeback that Kobe fans have been waiting for over ten years — this colorway returns for the first time since 2014.
Kobe's connection with China was not superficial. Throughout his career, Black Mamba hosted youth camps, clinics, and events across the country, building a relationship with Chinese fans that few Western athletes have been able to create with such authenticity. The University Red is the color of that bond. The Metallic Gold adds the dimension of triumph. The two-snake design on the tongue — which recalls the concept of duality and balance — is the detail that transforms this colorway into a complete visual story.
Technically, the "University Red" is the EM (Engineered Mesh) version of the Kobe 9 — ultra-light engineered mesh upper, React foam drop-in midsole, and, unlike the "Orange Frost," a carbon fiber plate in the outsole for even more precise lateral stability.
- Code: IH1400-600
- Weight: 365g (8.5 US)
- Fit: regular, comfortable width
- First release since 2014
- Price: 199.00 EUR
Kobe 9 Orange Frost vs University Red: which to choose?
Both Kobe 9 Low Protro are basketball and collectible shoes at the same time — the choice between the two is mainly about story and aesthetics.
Choose the Orange Frost if you want the comeback shoe — the one that speaks of determination, two free throws on a torn tendon, never giving up. The warm and bright colorway is the most wearable in everyday life.
Choose the University Red "China" if you want the rare piece — first release since 2014, the colorway of the bond between Kobe and China, with the carbon plate and the snake design on the tongue. It is the collector's model, the one you don't find everywhere.
Kobe 9 Low Protro: frequently asked questions
What is the Kobe 9 Low Protro?
The Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro is the updated version of the original 2013-2014 Kobe 9. "Protro" stands for "performance retro" — the historic silhouette reimagined with current technologies: React foam, updated rubber outsole, and reinforced construction for modern play.
What is the difference between Kobe 9 Low Protro and Kobe 9 Low Protro EM?
The EM (Engineered Mesh) version uses an ultra-light engineered mesh upper instead of the standard fabric, and includes a carbon fiber plate in the outsole for superior lateral stability. The difference is mainly felt in lightness and lateral responsiveness.
Does the Kobe 9 Low Protro fit true to size?
Yes — both versions fit true to Nike standard sizing with a comfortable width. Weight 365g for both (8.5 US).
Are they basketball shoes or collectibles?
Both. The technical construction — React foam, pressure-mapped outsole, lateral stability — makes them perfectly functional on the court. At the same time, the historical value and iconic aesthetics make them collectible pieces that Kobe fans rarely find at these prices.
Where to buy the Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro in Italy?
Both versions are available on TripleBasket with 24/48h shipping throughout Italy.
→ Kobe 9 Low Protro "Orange Frost" — €179
→ Kobe 9 Low Protro EM "University Red China" — €199
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