Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro EM IH1400-600 China University Red Metallic Gold Basketball Shoes

• China Colorway: The release pays tribute to Kobe Bryant's strong connection with China and Chinese basketball fans.
• Official IH1400-600 Reference: Nike identifies the shoe as University Red / Black / Metallic Gold.
• Protro Performance Update: The revived Kobe 9 platform receives modern cushioning while preserving the low-profile character of the original design.
• React Drop-In Midsole: Removable responsive foam provides cushioning while helping the foot remain connected to the court.
• Engineered Mesh Upper: Lightweight breathable construction supports speed and agility without excessive upper bulk.
• Carbon-Fibre Support: Structural reinforcement contributes lightweight lateral stability during aggressive movement.
• Pressure-Mapped Outsole: Traction geometry follows the natural contours of the foot for flexible multidirectional grip.
• Two-Snake Tongue Detail: The decorative tongue design represents concepts of duality and balance.
• Metallic Gold Kobe Details: Gold branding provides a premium contrast against the vivid red and black construction.
• Low-Top Court Design: The streamlined silhouette supports unrestricted ankle movement and fast basketball footwork.

Kobe Bryant & China

Kobe Bryant developed a significant connection with basketball fans in China throughout his career, regularly visiting the country for youth camps, basketball clinics and events.

University Red Theme

University Red dominates the shoe and creates a bold visual identity closely associated with the China-inspired release.

Metallic Gold Accents

Metallic Gold detailing creates a premium contrast against the vibrant red base and highlights the Nike Swoosh and Kobe branding.

Black Structural Details

Black through the collar, tongue, heel and structural sections gives the vivid red palette greater depth and visual balance.

Two-Snake Tongue Design

A decorative dual-snake motif at the tongue references the concept of duality and balance while connecting with Kobe's Black Mamba identity.

Updated Protro Cushioning

The Protro version replaces the original-era cushioning concept with a responsive Nike React drop-in foam insert designed for modern basketball performance.

Springy Response

React foam compresses under impact and responds as the player transitions into the next movement.

Close Court Feel

The drop-in construction keeps cushioning directly beneath the foot without creating an unnecessarily tall platform.

Impact Management

Basketball creates repeated impact through running, jumping, landing and hard directional changes. React foam helps soften those forces while retaining responsiveness.

Removable Construction

The cushioning unit can be removed from the shell of the shoe, following the distinctive drop-in construction used throughout the Kobe 9 platform.

Lightweight Performance

Engineered mesh reduces unnecessary upper weight and supports the quick, agile character of the Kobe 9 Low.

Breathability

Textile ventilation helps improve airflow during demanding games, basketball training and longer court sessions.

Flexible Foot Movement

The mesh construction adapts more naturally to movement than heavier traditional upper materials.

Low-Profile Fit

Combined with the low-cut silhouette, the lightweight upper helps preserve freedom around the ankle while maintaining a performance fit around the foot.

University Red Visual Texture

The vivid red textile makes the woven construction visible, adding depth to the otherwise bold monochromatic upper.

Lightweight Structural Support

Carbon-fibre reinforcement provides added rigidity in key areas while keeping overall weight relatively low.

Lateral Stability

Basketball involves hard lateral cuts and forceful changes of direction. Structural reinforcement helps support the foot during these movements.

Rearfoot Control

Support through the lower rear portion of the shoe contributes to a more stable platform during braking and acceleration.

Performance Without Bulk

Carbon fibre provides useful strength without requiring large, heavy structural components.

Natural Foot Geometry

The outsole design follows pressure mapping and the natural contours of the foot rather than using a conventional flat traction layout.

Multidirectional Grip

Traction is designed for movement in multiple directions, supporting crossovers, defensive slides, cuts and recovery steps.

Flexible Rubber Coverage

Minimal strategic rubber helps provide durability while preserving flexibility through the outsole.

Quick Stops

Reliable court traction helps players decelerate before changing direction or setting up for a jump shot.

Explosive First Step

Grip through the forefoot helps provide a secure platform when accelerating from a stationary position.

University Red Upper

Vivid University Red dominates the engineered mesh upper, creating a bold and unmistakable court presence.

Metallic Gold Swoosh

A large Metallic Gold Nike Swoosh runs across the lateral side, providing the strongest visual contrast against the red mesh.

Gold Kobe Signature

Kobe's signature appears in gold against the dark lateral heel panel, adding a recognizable signature-athlete detail.

Black Heel & Collar

Black structural sections help frame the red upper while giving the shoe a more aggressive performance appearance.

Orange Lace Details

Orange-toned lace loops add another warm accent within the red-and-gold palette.

White Outsole Contrast

The light lower edge and outsole provide clean separation from the darker red and black upper.

Guards & Quick Ball Handlers

The lightweight low-top platform is particularly relevant for players who rely on fast first steps, crossovers and frequent directional changes.

Perimeter Movement

Multidirectional traction supports players moving around screens, attacking closeouts and relocating around the perimeter.

Defensive Slides

Lateral traction and structural support help during repeated side-to-side defensive movement.

Fast Breaks

Lightweight mesh and responsive React cushioning support rapid transition running and acceleration.

Jumping & Landing

React cushioning helps manage repeated impact during jump shots, rebounds and landings.

Change of Direction

Carbon-fibre support works with multidirectional traction to help stabilize aggressive cuts and quick stops.

Indoor Basketball

The traction and low-profile performance platform are particularly suited to clean indoor basketball courts.

The Kobe 9 Low Protro EM uses a performance-oriented basketball fit designed to hold the foot securely during aggressive movement.

The streamlined construction may feel more fitted than a relaxed lifestyle sneaker, particularly for customers with wider feet.

Foot width, instep height, basketball sock thickness and preferred toe room should be considered when choosing a size.

The photographed box is marked Men's US 8.5 / Women's US 10 / UK 7.5 / EU 42. It also shows Men's CM 26.5 and Women's CM 27.

Black Basketball Kit

Black shorts, compression tights and dark jerseys create strong contrast against the University Red upper.

Red Tonal Styling

Red jerseys, shorts or training tops create an aggressive head-to-toe performance look.

White Contrast

White basketball apparel connects naturally with the light outsole and allows the red upper to become the focal point.

Gold Accents

Small gold accessories or jersey details complement the Metallic Gold Swoosh and Kobe signature.

Technical Streetwear

Black cargos, oversized tees and performance jackets allow the low-top Kobe silhouette to transition into casual styling.

Neutral Everyday Wear

Grey, black or off-white clothing helps balance the bright University Red colorway outside the court.

Remove Court Dust First

Use a clean soft brush to remove dry dust and loose debris before applying moisture or footwear cleaner.

Clean Engineered Mesh Gently

Use a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush with diluted mild footwear cleaner. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that may disturb mesh fibers.

Protect Metallic Gold Details

Avoid harsh brushes, solvents and strong cleaning chemicals around the Swoosh, signature and other metallic surface details.

Clean the Outsole Separately

Use a soft brush to remove compacted dust and debris from the multidirectional traction pattern.

Remove the Drop-In Midsole Carefully

If cleaning the interior, remove the React drop-in insert gently and allow both the insert and shoe shell to dry separately.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Strong bleach, solvents and aggressive household cleaners may damage textile fibers, foam, adhesives and surface finishes.

Do Not Machine Wash

Machine washing may place unnecessary stress on the engineered mesh, bonding, structural support and React cushioning components.

Air Dry Naturally

Allow the shoes to dry naturally in a ventilated area away from direct heaters, hair dryers and prolonged intense sunlight.

What is the exact model?

This product references the Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro EM.

What does the box call the model?

The photographed label reads Kobe IX EM Protro.

What is the style code?

The exact style code is IH1400-600.

What is the official colorway?

Nike identifies IH1400-600 as University Red / Black / Metallic Gold.

Is IH1400-600 the Kobe 9 China?

Yes. This release is commonly known as the Kobe 9 Low Protro EM China.

Is IH1400-600 the Think Pink PE?

No. For accurate product identification, IH1400-600 should be listed as the University Red / Metallic Gold China colorway, not Think Pink PE.

What cushioning does it use?

The Protro version uses a drop-in Nike React foam midsole.

Is the cushioning removable?

Yes. The React foam insert uses the Kobe 9's distinctive drop-in construction.

What is the upper made from?

Nike describes the upper as lightweight engineered mesh.

Does it use carbon fibre?

Yes. The reference design incorporates carbon-fibre structural support for lightweight lateral stability.

What type of traction does it use?

Nike uses a pressure-mapped, multidirectional outsole pattern designed around the natural contours and movement of the foot.

Is it a low-top basketball shoe?

Yes. The Kobe 9 Low Protro EM is a low-top performance basketball shoe.

Can it be worn casually?

Yes. Although primarily designed for basketball performance, the University Red, Black and Metallic Gold palette also works with modern basketball-inspired streetwear.

Available through HYPEKIXK. Select your preferred size before checkout and review current availability directly on the product page.

Engineered mesh, synthetic components and surface finishes may naturally show minor differences in weave, texture, stitching and panel alignment between individual pairs or production batches.

University Red, Metallic Gold, black and orange tones may appear slightly lighter, darker, warmer or cooler depending on photography, studio lighting and individual display settings.

Technical specifications on this page reference the original Nike Kobe 9 Low Protro EM IH1400-600 University Red / Black / Metallic Gold design to help customers identify the correct model and understand its reference technologies.

Product names, model references and technology terminology are used for identification and informational purposes.

HYPEKIXK is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or an authorized retailer of Nike.

This is a non-retail / non-authentic product referencing the original design. QC photographs are provided before shipment so customers can review the exact pair before dispatch.