After reintroducing the Kobe 9 as a Protro for Kobe Bryant's birthday last year, it appears that Nike is planning to release more iterations of the shoe soon.
According to leaker accounts Sneaker Files and @zSneakerheadz on Instagram, the "China" Kobe 9 EM Low is returning during this year's holiday season. Nike released the "China" Kobe 9 Low in August 2014, coinciding with the brand's RISE basketball campaign in the Greater China region that Bryant attended that summer.
There are no leaked images of the purported "China" Kobe 9 reissue, and the pair shown above is the original '14 version. The popular colorway features a red-based color scheme on the engineered mesh upper contrasted by black and gold accents throughout. The style's standout element is the colorful China-inspired artwork on the tongue.
At the time of writing, the "China" Kobe 9 Low Protro release has yet to be announced by Nike. Check back soon for new developments in the coming months, including a first look at the sneaker.
UPDATE (11/09): Nike has confirmed that the "China" Kobe 9 Low returns on Nov. 22 via SNKRS and at select retailers for $190. Grab a closer look at the re-release below.
