With the recent debut of the "Year of the Snake" Kobe 5, it's clear that the accessibility of Nike Kobe sneakers is becoming easier.
However, in 2025, this threshold is expected to drop even further.
Today, new information reveals that the Kobe 9 EM Protro will feature a Team Bank series, which includes five colorways, and is scheduled for release in the fall of 2025. This collection will likely continue to emphasize versatility and team spirit, offering a range of colorways perfect for both players and collectors.
The Kobe 9 EM features an EM engineered mesh upper, offering better breathability and support than Flyknit, while also being more cost-effective.
This new "Team Bank" theme was previously seen on the Kobe 8, and the colorway remains consistent across the models. It will include gray, blue, red, as well as black and white for the Lakers’ home and away styles.
Kobe 9 EM “Team Bank”
Style Codes: IH1401-001, IH1401-002, IH1401-100, IH1401-400, IH1401-600
Release Date: Fall 2025
When the Kobe 9 "Halo" colorway released, there was also a Kobe 9 EM "Halo" GS version, which shared the same color theme.
Kobe 9 EM "Halo" GS
The Kobe 9 EM "Halo" GS version, although sharing the same colorway as the adult Kobe 9 "Halo", features a lower configuration specific to Grade School (GS) sizing and cannot be considered a true Kobe 9 EM model. The GS version is a more simplified design with some performance features toned down compared to the full-size Kobe 9 EM.
Kobe 8 Team Bank
In addition to the 5 new colorways for the Kobe 9 EM Protro "Team Bank", there have also been rumors about a black and gold colorway called the Kobe 9 EM Protro "Gift of Mamba". This black and gold edition is expected to join the 2025 lineup, although no exact release date has been confirmed yet.
Here’s an effect rendering of the Kobe 9 EM Protro "Gift of Mamba" colorway.Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official release date!
The EM version of Kobe’s sneakers is expected to come with a lower price tag, and with the increased variety of styles and stock, the Mamba sneakers are becoming more accessible, now closer to retail price.
For fans who’ve always wanted to own a pair of Kobe sneakers, 2025 is undoubtedly an ideal time to make that dream come true.
We’ll continue to closely follow any updates on Nike Kobe shoes, so for those interested, stay tuned for our weekly updates.
