First Look at the Icy Kobe 9 EM Protro “Hydrogen Blue”

Look out for the pair to arrive shortly in Spring.

Footwear
7.1K 0 Comments
Save

Name: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Hydrogen Blue”
SKU: IH1401-402
Release Date: Spring 2026

Nike’s extensive Kobe rollout continues to gain momentum. Following the recently reported “Purple Dynasty” iteration, the brand is set to revive the Kobe 9 EM Protro in a crisp, court-ready “Hydrogen Blue” colorway. This upcoming release offers an icy, understated aesthetic tailored for both elite performance and lifestyle wear.

Visually, the “Hydrogen Blue” iteration features a clean palette of layered blue tones contrasted by a sharp white midsole. Unlike the Flyknit version, the Engineered Mesh (EM) construction returns to provide a more breathable and flexible alternative, prioritizing airflow without sacrificing structural integrity. As a Protro release, the internal tooling has been modernized with a React drop-in midsole. This update delivers a more responsive and durable ride while preserving the signature low-to-the-ground court feel that established the Kobe 9 as a performance icon during its original run. Expect this timeless addition to the Kobe line to be released sometime during Spring.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

First Look at the Nike Kobe 3 Protro "Orca"
Footwear

First Look at the Nike Kobe 3 Protro "Orca"

The black-based mid-top returns with a diamond-patterned upper and gold detailing.

First Look at the Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro "Grinch"
Footwear

First Look at the Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro "Grinch"

The performance basketball model receives a vibrant neon lime upper paired with aquamarine accents and classic red laces.

Official Look at the Nike Kobe 10 Protro "Halo"
Footwear

Official Look at the Nike Kobe 10 Protro "Halo"

Dropping later this month.


Nike Reminisces on the 1996 "Draft Day" With the Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro
Footwear

Nike Reminisces on the 1996 "Draft Day" With the Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro

Paying homage to the iconic 1996 draft night trade, the gradient-heavy silhouette honors Kobe Bryant’s brief alternate reality in Charlotte.

Official Look at the Mizuno Wave Prophecy 13.2 "White/Black"
Footwear

Official Look at the Mizuno Wave Prophecy 13.2 "White/Black"

Featuring the brand’s signature Infinity Wave plate and bold graphic detailing.

A$AP Rocky Debuts New Single “HELICOPTER” Ahead of ‘DON’T BE DUMB’ Release
Music

A$AP Rocky Debuts New Single “HELICOPTER” Ahead of ‘DON’T BE DUMB’ Release

The track arrives alongside a video directed by Rocky and Dan Streit.

Lee Cronin’s ‘The Mummy’ Reboot Gets Eerie First Teaser Trailer
Entertainment

Lee Cronin’s ‘The Mummy’ Reboot Gets Eerie First Teaser Trailer

The ‘Evil Dead Rise’ director unearths a gory, family-centric nightmare for Blumhouse.

Official Images of the New Balance ABZORB 2000 “Truffle Salt”
Footwear

Official Images of the New Balance ABZORB 2000 “Truffle Salt”

Blending silver synthetic overlays with subtle pink accents for a softer identity.

Topps Celebrates LeBron James' 23rd Season With Commemorative Uniform Patch
Sports

Topps Celebrates LeBron James' 23rd Season With Commemorative Uniform Patch

A special Lakers chest badge turns every appearance into a chase piece as game-worn patches are built into ultra-rare cards.
20 Sources

China’s LTE440 Software Sets First Standard for Moon Time
Tech & Gadgets

China’s LTE440 Software Sets First Standard for Moon Time

Purple Mountain Observatory’s nanosecond-accurate system could underpin future lunar navigation, habitats and GPS-style networks.
5 Sources


Bandai Namco Reveals 'My Hero Academia: All’s Justice' Opening Cinematic
Gaming

Bandai Namco Reveals 'My Hero Academia: All’s Justice' Opening Cinematic

Showcasing the upcoming fighting game’s full roster and their endgame powers during the Final War Arc.

Netflix’s Official Teaser Trailer for ‘One Piece’ Season 2 Sets Sail Into the Grand Line
Entertainment

Netflix’s Official Teaser Trailer for ‘One Piece’ Season 2 Sets Sail Into the Grand Line

The Straw Hat Pirates embark on their next adventure with new arcs and characters revealed.

Barbour and Feng Chen Wang Celebrate the Year of the Horse With a New Collaborative Capsule
Fashion

Barbour and Feng Chen Wang Celebrate the Year of the Horse With a New Collaborative Capsule

Reimagining British heritage silhouettes through the lens of Eastern mythology.

The 3D-Printed Iron Is No Longer a Concept Car
Golf

The 3D-Printed Iron Is No Longer a Concept Car

COBRA’s expanding lineup suggests additive manufacturing might finally have a place in everyday golf bags.

Must-See Museum Shows of 2026
Art

Must-See Museum Shows of 2026

From Daido Moriyama to Björk, institutions are committing space and time to artists whose work reshaped entire disciplines.

Palace Skateboards Announces Upcoming Hong Kong Flagship Store
Fashion

Palace Skateboards Announces Upcoming Hong Kong Flagship Store

The Tri-Ferg lands in the Fragrant Harbour next month.

More ▾