Nike Kobe 9 Low EM “Hydrogen Blue” Joins Spring 2026 Lineup

With first looks now circulating, Nike’s Spring 2026 Kobe rollout continues to take shape through the return of the Kobe 9 Low EM in a clean new “Hydrogen Blue” colorway. The appearance marks another step in the brand’s steady reintroduction of Kobe-era performance models, leaning into designs that still feel fast, modern, and purpose-built more than a decade after their original debut.

The Kobe 9 Low EM strips the silhouette back to its most streamlined form, using engineered mesh instead of Flyknit for a lighter, more breathable build. Here, that mesh arrives in a soft grey base, contrasted by crisp Hydrogen Blue accents across the Swoosh, lining, outsole, and heel detailing. The result is subtle yet effective, emphasizing performance and wearability over loud storytelling.

Underfoot, the familiar low-profile tooling returns intact. The anatomical outsole and responsive midsole setup—key ingredients in the Kobe 9’s reputation as a court feel favorite—remain untouched, reinforcing why the model was so widely embraced by guards and speed-first players during its original run. A sculpted heel counter and minimal padding keep the lockdown sharp without adding unnecessary bulk.

As with other EM retros in the current Kobe lineup, the appeal here isn’t nostalgia alone. The Nike Kobe 9 Low EM “Hydrogen Blue” feels intentionally restrained, designed to slot seamlessly into both modern rotation wear and collectors’ lineups alike.

The Nike Kobe 9 Low EM “Hydrogen Blue” is expected to release during Spring 2026. Stay locked in for further updates as official release details emerge.

In semi-related news, Jordan Brand will be unleashing a "Lakers" Air Jordan 4 during All-Star Weekend 2026.