Nike lists the Kobe 9 EM Low Protro in Laser Crimson and Obsidian for Wednesday, November 18, on SNKRS and Nike.com. It’s the pair made for the Philippines in 2014, back as a Protro. Neither Nike GB nor Nike Spain lists it yet, but Nike’s European stock feed already had 21 sizes loaded on November 8.
Made for the Philippines in 2014
Nike’s listing calls the original a limited-edition launch in 2014. Complex reported at the time that it reached the US on Friday, May 23, 2014, at $180, after dropping overseas first. Its colourway then was Laser Crimson, Reflective Silver and Obsidian.
Nike says the print draws on banig, the Filipino tradition of woven mats, and on basketball culture in the Philippines. Its listing names a tsinelas, or flip-flop, graphic under the translucent outsole. The chrome accents come from jeepneys, and the upper carries hand-painted-style numerology.
What the Protro changes
Nike lists an engineered mesh upper, a React foam midsole and a carbon fibre plate for lateral support. It also says the traction has been upgraded from the original.
How to get a pair
It’s first come, first served on SNKRS and on Nike.com’s product page. A European date isn’t announced yet. More from the brand on our Nike page.
