{"product_id":"nike-kobe-9-elite-low-em-protro-x-draft-day","title":"NIKE KOBE 9 ELITE LOW EM PROTRO x DRAFT DAY","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Draft Day” (IM6119-500)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFierce Purple \/ Blue Lagoon \/ White \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eHonor one of the most pivotal moments in basketball history with the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Draft Day.” This limited storytelling colorway revisits June 26, 1996—the night 17-year-old Kobe Bryant was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac. The result is a bold, gradient-heavy performance sneaker that blends ’90s Hornets nostalgia with modern Protro technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eIconic Design \u0026amp; Color Story\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe signature one-piece Engineered Mesh (EM) upper delivers a seamless, dynamic gradient that flows from vibrant Blue Lagoon teal at the toe box into deep Fierce Purple at the heel—perfectly capturing the loud, retro aesthetic of the mid-90s Charlotte Hornets uniforms. Clean white hits on the midsole, side Swooshes, laces, tongue, and signature Kobe Sheath branding create sharp contrast and make the gradient pop. Flywire cables provide adaptive lockdown while keeping the upper ultra-lightweight and breathable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003ePerformance Built for Today’s Game\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eRebuilt on updated Protro tooling, the Kobe 9 Elite Low EM retains the low-cut, adaptive feel that made the 2014 original a favorite among guards and wings. Expect:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResponsive cushioning (Protro-updated Lunarlon \/ React feel) for plush yet energetic rides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbon-fiber heel counter and raised sidewalls for lockdown and lateral support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignature pressure-mapped traction pattern for elite multi-directional grip on indoor courts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight, breathable construction ideal for quick cuts, explosive first steps, and all-game comfort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhether you’re attacking the rim, locking down on defense, or rocking them off-court as a statement piece, these sneakers deliver the Mamba Mentality in every detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Specs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle Code: IM6119-500\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColorway: Fierce Purple \/ Blue Lagoon-White\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCut: Low\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpper: One-piece Engineered Mesh with Flywire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCushioning: Protro-updated responsive foam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutsole: Modernized rubber with pressure-mapped traction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelease: June 1, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePerfect for Kobe collectors, basketball players seeking elite traction and lightweight performance, and sneakerheads who appreciate historic storytelling colorways. The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Draft Day” is more than a shoe—it’s a wearable piece of NBA lore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Draft Day”?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a special-edition basketball sneaker that pays tribute to Kobe Bryant’s 1996 NBA Draft night, when he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets and immediately traded to the Lakers. The colorway features a Hornets-inspired Blue Lagoon-to-Fierce Purple gradient on the Engineered Mesh upper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does the colorway look like?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe upper shows a seamless gradient from Blue Lagoon (teal) at the toe to Fierce Purple at the heel, with clean white accents on the midsole, Swooshes, tongue, and branding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the style code \/ SKU?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIM6119-500.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen did the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Draft Day” release?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJune 1, 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does “EM” stand for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEngineered Mesh — a lightweight, seamless, highly breathable upper construction unique to this version of the Kobe 9.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a performance basketball shoe or lifestyle only?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a true performance basketball shoe with Protro updates, responsive cushioning, excellent traction, and lockdown, while the storytelling design also makes it a strong lifestyle and collector piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the Protro version differ from the original 2014 Kobe 9?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Protro features modernized materials, updated cushioning for today’s game, refined fit, and improved durability while preserving the original’s lightweight feel and pressure-mapped traction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho should buy the Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro “Draft Day”?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBasketball players wanting elite court feel and traction, Kobe Bryant fans and collectors, and anyone looking for a bold, historically inspired low-top performance sneaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can I buy authentic pairs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOfficial Nike channels (Nike.com \/ SNKRS), select authorized retailers such as Foot Locker, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hibbett, and reputable resale platforms with authenticity guarantees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost players find the Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro true to size or slightly snug due to the low-cut lockdown design. Many recommend going with your usual basketball shoe size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis description is optimized for search terms including “Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro Draft Day,” “Kobe 9 Draft Day,” “IM6119-500,” “Kobe 9 Hornets gradient,” “Kobe Protro 2026,” and related long-tail queries while remaining natural and conversion-focused for both human readers and AI search agents.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Replico","offers":[{"title":"US7\/UK6\/EU40","offer_id":55182689894739,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US7.5\/UK6.5\/EU40.5","offer_id":55182689927507,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US8\/UK7\/EU41","offer_id":55182689960275,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US8.5\/UK7.5\/EU42","offer_id":55182689993043,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US9\/UK8\/EU42.5","offer_id":55182690025811,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US9.5\/UK8.5\/EU43","offer_id":55182690058579,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US10\/UK9\/EU44","offer_id":55182690091347,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US10.5\/UK9.5\/EU44.5","offer_id":55182690124115,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US11\/UK10\/EU45","offer_id":55182690156883,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US12\/UK11\/EU46","offer_id":55182690189651,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"US13\/UK12\/EU47.5","offer_id":55182690222419,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0949\/8954\/9907\/files\/cca8b434.png?v=1791038602","url":"https:\/\/shopreplico.com\/products\/nike-kobe-9-elite-low-em-protro-x-draft-day","provider":"Replico","version":"1.0","type":"link"}