The always-flowing pipeline of Kobe Bryant shoes gives us the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Moonwalker” on September 10th; an updated version of a memorable 2014 release inspired by the King of Pop. Find everything you need to know about this key Protro release here, including a full store list, images, and the backstory behind the design.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Moonwalker” releases September 10th, 2025 via retailers like Sneaker Politics and A Ma Maniére, all of which are holding raffles. As of this writing, it does not appear that Nike SNKRS is stocking the shoe. Kobe Bryant shoes are always in-demand, so you’re advised to enter as many raffles as possible if these are a must-cop. The sneaker carries a retail price of $220, making it on the pricier side of Nike Basketball releases.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Moonwalker” Packer Shoes
Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Moonwalker” Packer Shoes
Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Moonwalker” Packer Shoes
Would you believe us if we said Michael Jackson was Kobe Bryant’s biggest mentor? It’s true… and that’s coming from the Mamba himself. As told in a 2016 article by Jackie MacMullan for ESPN, Kobe received an out-of-the-blue call from Michael Jackson in the summer after his rookie season. Kobe asked MJ questions about his music career, and Jackson gave the young Lakers star advice on how to settle into his newfound life of fame.
Nike has never said publicly that the “Moonwalker” Kobe 9s are inspired by Michael Jackson, but they don’t need to. Custom outsoles featuring lunar graphics tie in with the King of Pop’s most famous dance move, while a purple knit upper matches the energy the late musician brought to the stage. The 2025 Protro is visually identical to the 2014 original, only with modern performance enhancements.
Several additional high-heat Kobes are releasing in 2025, including the Kobe 3 Protro “Christmas” and Kobe 6 PEs created for Caitlin Clark and Jalen Brunson. Kobe Bryant shoes have remained extraordinarily popular in the NBA and WNBA alike, and that’s been reflected by Nike’s continued release of new and old colorways.
