While things might have started slow for the return of the Nike Kobe line, it was full steam ahead throughout 2024. With classics such as the Kobe 4 Protro Philly, Kobe 6 Protro Italian Camo, and the Kobe 8 Protro Venice Beach, Nike, and Vanessa Bryant are set to ensure plenty of future Kobe releases. For Holiday 2024, we confirmed that the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro Christmas was on the way, and the next addition to the Gift Of Mamba series will drop.
As December 2024 came and went, nothing came about for the Kobe 9 Low EM Gift of Mamba edition. After getting pushed back a few times and floating in limbo, Nike has finally decided its fate. The Nike Kobe 9 EM Low is now set to release in Summer 2025 with a theme change from Gift of Mamba to Mambacita.
The change in themes will warrant a slight variation in the design. However, expect the pair will remain black-based with an engineered mesh upper, faux snakeskin detailing, metallic gold accents, and React cushioning. Mambacita branding and Gigi's number 2 could also make appearances.
This pair will also be the first Kobe 9 Low EM release, following high and low-top versions of the Kobe 9 Elite. Expect more of the Kobe 9 Low EM throughout 2025, as we confirmed the next Team Bank series of Kobe Protros will highlight the Engineered Mesh iteration of the Kobe 9 Low.
The Nike Kobe 9 Low EM Mambacita was originally set to release in December 2024. However, as the theme was changed, the drop was pushed back to May 1, 2025. They will be available through Nike, SNKRS, and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men's and gradeschool sizing, retail is $180 and $120, respectively. Keep it locked to the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest sneaker releases, raffles, and news.
Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
