Nike
Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM
Kobe Bryant's lightest low-top — Engineered Mesh meets full-length Zoom Air.
Year Released
2014
Silhouette
Low
Category
Basketball
About
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM debuted in 2014 as Kobe Bryant's ninth signature shoe in the Nike Basketball line. The "EM" designation stands for Engineered Mesh — a lightweight, breathable upper construction that replaced the heavier materials found in earlier Kobe models. The low-top silhouette was designed to keep Kobe close to the ground, prioritising court feel and lateral stability over ankle coverage. Full-length Zoom Air cushioning sits in the midsole, delivering the responsive impact absorption that defined Nike Basketball performance footwear of the era. The Kobe 9 Elite Low EM launched in multiple colourways throughout 2014, with the "Draft Day" colourway — referencing Kobe's 1996 selection by the Charlotte Hornets — among the most memorable of the original lineup. The silhouette has returned in Protro form across 2025 and 2026, with Nike issuing updated versions including the "Purple Dynasty," "Steam," "Thunder Blue," and "Draft Day" colourways, all retailing at $190 USD. Widely regarded as one of the most technically refined performance basketball shoes of its era, the Kobe 9 Elite Low EM continues to attract both on-court players and collectors.
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