Official Images Of The Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines”

References still hit.

Andrew Rizzo 32 minutes

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Kobe Bryant loved the Philippines, and the feeling was very much mutual. Few NBA players have had a deeper connection to the basketball-obsessed nation, with Kobe visiting six times throughout his career for youth clinics, events, and other initiatives that helped cement his place in the country’s basketball culture. In 2014, that relationship took physical shape with the Nike Kobe 9 EM “Philippines,” a shoe that quickly became one of its era’s most coveted Kobe releases both in the Philippines and abroad. Now a decade and change later, the sneaker is back in Protro form.

Official images of the Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” have surfaced in grade school sizing, suggesting a release could be just weeks away. As expected, the Protro stays remarkably faithful to the original, carrying over the same palette and wealth of Filipino references that made the 2014 pair so memorable. The most obvious nod comes through the red, white, blue, of the Philippine flag, while the multicolor detailing across the forefoot draws from the jeepney, a mode of public transport known for its elaborate paint jobs, as well as the country’s many painted outdoor courts. Underfoot, the semi-translucent outsole reveals a graphic of a tsinelas, or flip-flop, showing through the rubber.

The Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” releases Holiday 2026 in adult ($190) and grade school ($120) sizing. Check out official images of the GS version below if these might slot into your hoops rotation.

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro “Philippines” (Grade School Sizing)

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WHERE TO BUY

Mens Nike Kobe 9 EM "Philippines"

SKU: IO6262-600

RETAIL PRICE: $190

RELEASE DATE: 2026

US 2026

Retailer	Release type	Status
Nike SNKRS	Standard	Check Site

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.