Nike Confirms January Release Date for Kobe 9 EM Protro “Stitches”
Nike is continuing the revival of its Kobe Bryant signature line with the upcoming release of the Kobe 9 EM Protro “Stitches,” set to launch in January.
The Kobe 9 has regained prominence in Nike’s basketball rotation, marking a return to the high-top design that had been absent for more than six years. When it originally debuted, the model stood out for offering three variations built on the same performance platform: the high-top Elite, the Low Elite, and the more affordable Engineered Mesh (EM) version.
Since the silhouette’s reintroduction, Nike has leaned heavily on the EM build, largely using it for understated team colourways. That approach shifted with the return of the Kobe 9 EM “China,” signalling that more statement releases were back on the table. The “Stitches” edition, officially named “Purple Dynasty,” reinforces that direction.
The shoe features layered Sanded Purple and Fierce Purple tones over a muted base, delivering a refined look that subtly nods to Los Angeles. Silver detailing on the insoles further reinforces the connection to Kobe Bryant’s legacy with the Lakers.
The “Stitches” nickname references one of the most defining moments of Bryant’s career — his Achilles injury. Nike previously wove this narrative into the Kobe 9 design through nine horizontal stitch lines on the heel, symbolising both the injury and Bryant’s resilience in its aftermath.
The Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Stitches” will be available in adult sizing for $190 and grade school sizing for $120 when it drops at the start of the new year.
