The Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro “Thunder Blue” will release on March 1, 2026. Part of Nike’s ongoing Kobe retro run, this colorway brings a sharp Thunder Blue, Laser Orange, Football Grey, and Daybreak palette to the court. The retail price is $190.
Quick Facts
Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro “Thunder Blue”
Color: Thunder Blue/Laser Orange-Football Grey-Daybreak
Release Date: March 1, 2026
Style Code: IH1401-401
Price: $190
Where to Buy: Nike, Foot Locker, DSG, Hibbett
More Info: Nike Release Dates
The Kobe 9 has been one of the steadier performers in Nike’s retro basketball rotation, and the upcoming “Thunder Blue” colorway gives the lineup a new energy going into the spring. While some may think this pair teeters on the “Team Bank” side, this colorway isn’t part of the line. However, it’s a new color scheme, expected to launch in March 2026.
This Nike Kobe 9 colorway is a nod to the classic palettes Kobe wore early in his career with the brand. The upper features a Thunder Blue engineered mesh for a smooth look. Additionally, Laser Orange outlines the Swoosh, appears on the Flywire cables, Kobe shield logo, and the stitches on the heels. A slightly darker shade of Blue covers the tongue, liner, and heel counter, while White lands on the midsole and most of the outsole to complete the look.
Performance-wise, the Protro treatment stays true to the Kobe philosophy: low to the ground, highly responsive, and built to feel like an extension of your foot. Flywire cables for lockdown, Zoom cushioning for responsiveness, and traction that gripped even the slickest gym floors.
More Nike Kobe 9 Releases
Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro Thunder Blue Release Date
The Nike Kobe 9 EM Low Protro “Thunder Blue” will be released on March 1st, 2026, at select Nike Basketball retailers, including Nike.com, Foot Locker, DSG, and Hibbett. The retail price is $190. Once we have more details, we will update you. For now, scroll below for more photos for a closer look.
Bottom Line
The Kobe 9 run has been one of the more consistent stories in Nike Basketball over the past couple of years. Nike has been patient with it, rotating colorways at a steady pace rather than flooding the market. The “Thunder Blue” is not going to be the most talked-about Kobe drop of 2026. It does not carry the weight of the “China” or the nostalgia of the “Masterpiece.” What it does do is give players and collectors a clean, well-built shoe at a fair price with legitimate on-court credentials behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the “Thunder Blue” Kobe 9 EM Low Protro won’t be a limited release and will be available at most Nike Basketball retailers.
Yes, the shoes will be available in grade school sizes for $120.