Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro Performance Review

[@loulew314]

you finding that TINY single extra line is why you will forever be the absolute, indisputable, infatigable king of performance reviews

[@Arnold001-1]

Thanks for always keeping it real and always calling out Nikes bs “innovation” You’re one of the few that actually does that. Nike just wants our money, they could care less about the product

[@cj7472]

Can you give us a ranking of your favorite Kobe shoes to play in. Maybe like a top 5.

[@ScarveGuitarist]

I love the Kobe 9’s but charging $240 is criminal

[@arianrivers757]

I hate how Nike just gave up on the Kobe line. It’s a little heartbreaking. They just really stopped caring about the product and they should rethink how they do the products. This man is an all time great and this doesn’t represent or reflect his legacy.

[@tterminatemkxvii580]

Cannot blame them when their revenue is a struggle and this is the last thing in their profile that they ever care other than its silhouette. They have to figure out how to innovate more in there for there other shoes. Until those are to generate revenue most of there retros and protro will just continue to struggle in the quality section.

[@zerocal76]

Nike gave up a while ago man. Just by the look of these 9 protros it makes me consider like-new, lightly used 9s. Crazy sure especially considering used 9s are going for about the same as 9 protros 😅 but I've been hooping for 25 years and KB 9s are by far the best shoe I've ever played in. I'm the type of player who'll dive and beat you to a loose ball to, picks up the best player on the other team etc so I need great shoes. The quality just looks like its gone period.

[@Rei-0403]

Let’s be real, the Kobe 8 & 9 Protro should have Full-length Zoom with the React Drop-in Midsole, looks like the Kobe 11 Protro is the last hope

[@joshuarice6032]

There dropping a 11 protro?

[@Rei-0403]

@@joshuarice6032 Not yet, but Nike will release it eventually. The OG Kobe 11 EM has Lunarlon Drop-in Midsole, Elite version has Heel Zoom + Lunarlon Drop-in Midsole, NikeID version has Full-length Zoom + Lunarlon Drop-in Midsole

[@AddOnKicks]

That extra line shiz 😂 Sounds like they messed up on the mold and just said "That's a Protro feature now!"

[@momohirai064]

Hi Chris I remember watching you review the Kobe’s 9 way back. Cannot afford them back then but now that I can, I still look up at your reviews before purchasing. You are truly the OG!

[@Noctis198]

I feel like the Kobe Protro rollout is the saddest thing. On average, Kobes are still $300 to $500. Hopefully things will change because I need me some pairs for my rotation again.

[@666ska]

Buy some godkiller replica...1:1 the same like og

[@nassiglutt6587]

​@@666skahaven't hooped in l be reps. Does the cushion feel and perform the same?

[@Jump3rrrr]

@@nassiglutt6587better because they have zoom air units in the forefoot and heel

[@jimjellychristoff350]

​@@666skagodkiller still up and running? Can you dhare the link?

[@MaddNomad1015]

Bruh it’s safe to say it’s not happening. Kobe’s are the new Jordan craze in ways

[@richmondcenidoza2735]

Man, I could still remember your first video. Legend when it comes to shoe reviews!

[@chasing_unhappiness]

i wish we can all get kobes one day

[@joseph_M]

Sick b roll of shootin around with little wing. So sick 😎

[@k3nne7h]

The moment I saw that video about the “extra line” I 🙄 and immediately thought of you. Then I said to myself, Nightwing is gonna have a FIELD DAY with this 😅

[@noustylz9127]

All hail the OG of performance reviews 🙌🙌🙌🔥🔥💯 watched you as a kid and now as an adult! Love ya bro, keep doing your thing ❤

[@rogertabs]

The first performance reviewer! Nightwing!

[@dukestarfighter]

Love that you found that extra detail they were marketing, like it was going to change the game in any way lol as always, great review!

[@12Messenger]

A brand needs to let you design a shoe. I would buy. Been subscribed since spring 2015

[@ssdynasty8587]

Bro these are absolutely gorgeous. Just look at them, 10/10 modern day Jordan IIIs with the carbon fiber. It’s been a long time coming.

[@zureai]

They are aight ..

[@JeremyGiese]

Would love to play in Kobe’s. But no luck from drops(shocker I know) and not paying any resell mark ups. Appreciate the honest reviews since day 1, I’m glad I discovered this channel when I randomly googled a pair of bball shoe review

[@jasonbuenafe2893]

I’m just happy that Kobe’s are back, no complaints.

[@GH05TLYR4NG3R]

Glad to know that the 9s performance is at least as great as the originals. Gonna be trynna cop as many of these as possible, one of my favorite shoes of all time

[@JV-rl3kl]

You cooked up a great performance review. Have a good one.

[@shayp3kicks]

Massage all day and shout out to the original and Goat of shoe reviews

[@AnakBasketChannel]

YOU"RE THE BEST CHRIS!!!!!!!!!!

[@Rcurtis777]

Just hit on the highs on SNKRS that 240 hurt but I’m excited to play in these

[@TheHypeDee]

@@Rcurtis777 240 really hurts but I think back to 2010 hoopers, it worths bro

[@zerocal76]

whats up man, how did you like hooping in these? The originals were the Goat bball shoes imo

[@Rcurtis777]

@@zerocal76 a little tight on me in my true size but super fun shoe

[@kkuderer5]

I agree 100% on the rubbing on the pinkie toe. I only speak of the original 9’s cause I don’t have the Protro 9. But my pinkie toe always rubs in the og 9

[@heikaltaki]

Nightwing Jr is a big boy now! Damn i feel old! My best to you and your family, Chris!

[@DanielEndres-cu3tt]

Nightwing coming back for reviews is amazing. Still the most reliable and consistent on the internet. Just to throw out a defense for the high collar, it does actually help your ankle and is not just perception. Wrapping a joint, whether it’s an ace wrap, or tape, or a high collar, increases proprioception. That means your brain can more accurately and quickly determine what position your body parts are in. When you apply that to your ankle in sports, it means your brain can sense more quickly when your ankle is entering a compromised position and trigger the muscles in your lower leg to fire and keep your ankle in alignment. So it kind of is in your head, but not really. It gives your head better data so that it can act more quickly to protect your ankle, hence why Kobe played in the high collar shoes after Achilles surgery when his feet would be weaker and need the extra help.

[@WearTesters]

Proprioception is and was fully acknowledged in the review just as it was ten years ago. Tricking your brain into thinking you have more support by an external source doesn’t mean the product truly offers more support. Take the collar off and wrap your ankle with something else and achieve the same result. Meaning the shoes perform the same no matter which collar you choose. The option is there for those that want it.

[@DanielEndres-cu3tt]

@@WearTesters I mean sure… maybe I’m being overly technical, but it’s not “tricking” your brain with anything. It’s giving your brain better feedback about the actual position of your ankle. It’s not a placebo that makes no difference, which is what it sounded like to me as you described it. Sure most people can do without, but there are real benefits that can help in certain circumstances. Like I said, I’m probably being more granular than any cares about. I didn’t mean to say you guys are misrepresenting anything. I have relied on you guys for years when it comes time to pick out my new shoes and will continue to as long as Nightwing is reviewing sneakers. Thank you for the heads consistently fun and helpful content!

[@WearTesters]

Maybe your interpretation of what you think he’s saying vs what he said may be the cause for confusion. He never mentioned that Proprioception wasn’t real. He said the opposite. It was said that the support between the two products doesn’t change - which is true. One brings proprioception into play while the other doesn’t. Your support over the years is appreciated 😊

[@DanielEndres-cu3tt]

@@WearTesters that may it. Don’t mind me 😅 I’m a nerd for rehab and sports training as I’ve had to overcome a few injuries and surgeries and probably overthink it when I hear someone phrase something a particular way 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WearTesters]

Chris is the same. He’s been doing this for over half his life and shares what he knows based on his experiences.

[@nickp8606]

Glad the 28 was mentioned as far as traction because it was definitely one of the best.

[@ivanrivera2694]

Got em today on skrs. Excited to see how these play out. Im a PT and my partner is a PT with amazing skills in cooking. Best of both worlds 😅

[@colemahon01]

First thing I thought of when you said elite traction (when thinking of other brands) I thought of the crazy explosives

[@Gfavvid]

Thank you for the review. You the Man!!

[@andyjor574]

My very first Nike, the Kobe 9.

[@ST_Reviews]

On Nike's website, it says react with full length zoom. Nike is literally trolling us right now.

[@joshuathomasrosarda9198]

They should've recreated the cushioning combination of the first GT Cut there 🤷‍♂️

[@francistrey]

4:02 transition 🔥 s/o Jodi 👏🏽

[@tonyguilliams5849]

The Kobe’s were all solid traction imo. The Nike Zoom Flight V was crazy good! So was the Air Jordan XIV.

[@MrAlvinlu1993]

I got the same experience as Chris on Kobe 8 Protro. I was weight 155 pounds last year and the cushion was just fine. But then i lost a few pounds (to avoid high cholesterol issue) and now weight in at 140 then the shoes is absolute BRICK. I think the cup sole caged the cushioning too tight (maybe because they did not adapt the mold of shoes to match new drop in)and it take higher weight pressure to feel it

[@wakuwaku99]

I used to cut off the lip at the pinky for Kobe 8,9,11

[@74205gb]

Happy Birthday Kobe 🎂 #MambaMentality #MambaForever

[@peteriyaki]

Has to be a chef for me, purely because of how the question is stated. A 15-minute massage just feels like it isn't enough to really relieve all the different muscle groups.

[@lamebotmusic]

i fxxking loved playing in the Penny V!!! i just wish they had a low top version and like a zoom forefoot unit would really make them super elite. i had them in like 7 colors

[@jerryr.6908]

Do you usually use the original insoles from any of your Kobe’s ? Or use a aftermarket insoles when hooping? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@WearTesters]

Everything is tested as they come.

[@antonsdad]

I personally would add the Puma Clyde Hardwood in terms of traction. That sole is outrageously grippy.

[@jecastro881]

Try using the midsole of the 8 on the kobe 9 and vice versa

[@17an28]

Talk yo ish nightwing!

[@BobbyObado]

Question of the day almost went off the rails 😂

[@thegameneededme5]

2:15 a PERFECT insert, Jodi 😂

[@henryw9258]

Chef or massage therapist - It depends on if the chef the can cook me whatever and whenever I want. If so, I would lean towards the chef because I tend to cook easy fast meals - which aren't necessarily the healthiest :)

[@MM-x6c]

Chris, let me compliment you for your "white" socks in the thumbnail being the same color "white" as my "white" socks. We are brothers in dinginess. Secret handshake time. QOTD: I'm taking the massage, no doubt. Food is easy. Kobe 9s are absolutely elite performance shoes, and it's good to see that the Protro doesn't break anything beyond repair. I loved Lunarlon in its day but that stuff does not last, so it's probably the smart move to switch to React. I find it initially very firm but after it breaks in it is as comfy as a "white" sock. I do agree with you that it's odd the current-day Nike Basketball lineup is eclipsed by a 10-year old model, but 10 years ago they had a different CEO. Thanks for the review, y'all. Have a great weekend! See you on the other channel a little further down my queue.

[@tedforsstromjacobsson4160]

If I didn’t have a couple injuries that will need attention for the rest of my life I’d definitely pick the chef. Cooking isn’t that hard it would just be amazing to try new stuff that I couldn’t make myself.

[@Jerz2392410]

Hey Chris, big fan of the channel. I’ve always wondered why the Nike huarache 2K5 hasn’t returned and the Nike huarache 2K4 has. So here’s my question to you. QOTD - Can you talk about the Nike Huarache 2K5 and why do you think Nike hasn’t retroed them?

[@Sneaky_freek]

I think the issue with the 8 protro is the shape of the outsole towards the toe box...compare the profile to the OGs and the toe angles up at a sharper angle...the OG is a more gradual curve. Feels different on-foot

[@starscream2]

Feel like other brands have taken the "Kobe" torch as far as sneakers are concerned and exceeded Nike's masterpiece in the Kobe models. Li Ning / Way of Wade more than anyone imo

[@sinsear2404]

Sold out b4 I could get my info in, good thing I have the original

[@royaltykonceptz]

At this point Nike has made Kobe's the most hyped shoe on the planet, but years ago you could find these at Outlets for $79

[@zerocal76]

The regular Kobe line at outlets? That's blasphemy! 😂 Got my first 9s on sale for like $100 so you might be speaking the truth

[@bluedevilbball4life]

Always appreciate your reviews! CFFR

[@sneakereffect9346]

I will watch this on my lunch break, I promise.

[@newbadpuppy]

Im definitely picking a personal chef lol. I dont like massages cus i dont like people touching me!

[@joserod05]

I still have my Victory 9’s from 2014 😁😁 I take them out every now and then

[@PhenomenalOne1000]

Got the christmas, and the all blue ones forgot the name

[@ulyrivera1735]

These look so good! Glad they play well.

[@jchung1506]

It speaks volumes about the current state of Nike when their best performance shoe is a model from over 10 years ago. On top of that, they are impossible to get. 🤦‍♂️

[@zureai]

Not impossible, just expensive 😂

[@tiefenverspannt]

would you also include the New Balance Two Wxy v3 into that top tier traction list? for me personally it's the best and most reliable traction i've had on a basketball shoe. i just checked your old review on the v3 and funnily enough you even said that it reminds you of the kobe 9 traction :D

[@LordBass10]

I hit on the halo 9 elite highs today and i cant wait to get them in. I really want to see if the zion 3 midsole will work in these. Im more excited now bc i have been subing and now joined a mens league with some friends so now i have a use to wear some of my ball shoes that i never could play in bc i dont have access to an indoor court/facility.

[@litesoutproduction]

I take all my Kobe’s to the track 😁 but yes after 4.5 miles my toes start to hurt a bit. Tried on the Nike Invincible 3’s yesterday but I didn’t pull the trigger

[@DariousK1NG1]

Personal chef ‼️

[@devzibay900]

first brotha!

[@AdamSteinhouse]

Thanks again for saving me money, and personal chef.

[@christophscheibner1238]

But I have to say that they know that the consumers are dumb. Otherwise all the Kobe's would not be sold out in seconds. Nike can build a complete trash shoe and put "Kobe" on it and they can sell it for more than 200 bucks a pair. So, Nike does not consider that consumers are dumb, they already know it 😉

[@BlasiusKarachus]

So true 😃

[@mattlau95]

I’m lucky to still have one of these bad boys made in 2013/14

[@GojoRamsay888]

XDR is a must

[@MaddNomad1015]

Safe to say Nike keeping these things limited. I still reminisce on the day I picked up 2 pairs of 6s

[@derrickdoan1060]

The midsole shape between the 8 and 9 look different too. Maybe that’s a contributing factor as to why it plays differently

[@RatanaTan]

I would trim the pinky area

[@jokofsor]

Commenting for the algorithm! Let's get it!

[@mazda6jabba]

I learnt to cook in my old man's commercial kitchen... so yeah - i'll take a personal physio any day of the week!

[@NotKurt7]

As a physical therapist, i would love a masseuse or massage therapist work on me. It never hits right when i treat myself LOL (BTW, I didn’t take offense to it but some may. Some PTs don’t like being confused as a MT and vice versa)

[@ilogart23]

Someone to cook for me hands down. Especially if they cater to your nutrition needs

[@by_run]

Nike has killed the protro. The recent ones are a disservice to what Kobe envisioned. The new basketball signature lines from Nike are just a cash grab. They are banking on brand recognition and no longer with the tech that they offer. Awesome review as always. 🔥

[@variandavid377]

I was dying when you said you found the extra line!! Glad they performed well aside from that pinkie toe killing flaw. As for the question of the day, it’s pure coincidence that just two days ago i was just saying i think I’d have to date a physical therapist or a masseuse because some times i get crazy knots in my back and my Thera cane can only do so much. So…..massages for sure!!! I’ll gladly cook..I love messing around in the kitchen.😊

[@theyoutubecommenter3498]

Same setup as Kobe 8 protro, I'd prefer the 8's than this. The outsole peeling off from the 9, big no for me. Had elite traction experience with the 8. Still lucked out on the 9 draws, but not in my size, so I'll just sell them like I intended to.

[@datharo5]

Let's hope they come out with an EM version with zoom in the heel at the very least...

[@goukihakai]

Highs just came out in Japan today

[@nolimitchris_O]

I love them I won them in a raffle but the only problem is they get dirty too quick !!!!!. Can you just wash them in washing machine?

[@ruyldev8556]

Kobes are basically what the Jordans were pre pandemic and a little past. Just everyone is getting them to resell or collect. I'd get the personal chef. I get tired of eating the same things over and over. And I dislike the prep part of cooking.

[@RackeddUp]

I’m thinking bout getting these to ball outdoors bc I got 10 year old KD weatherman’s I don’t wanna break out yet and I’m not tryna wear my kobe Venice beaches for a few years either . If these get tore up I won’t be that mad honestly

[@manicmike3952]

Kobe 9’s for the win, no doubt about it. Minus that heavy up pricing tho!. 😝

[@goodcompanyman]

Played with these for past couple of days. I gotta say: they are so much better than the Kobe 8 protros. Are they still overpriced af? Yes. But they are completely viable shoes to play in. These just feel like the originals back then. more bouncy and responsive. I was so worried bc the 8 protros are awful and unplayable for me. But these 9s are actually really nice.

[@zerocal76]

what up, how have these 9 protos held up? 🤔 I absolutely love the OG 9s

[@coreystewart8322]

QOTD The game is on the line, your team needs a three to get the game to OT. You only have two options to take that game tying shot, who do you choose, Ben Simmons or Markelle Fultz?

[@alexcantu3146]

In my personal opinion, the Kobe 4 protro still performs the best. I know everyone loves the 6 protro, but those just kill my feet trying to break them in. 4s are ready to go out of the box.

[@gunpla_sk8]

Chris hope you review the Ipath Grasshoppers skate shoes the strap goes too hard

[@jaykerosene3440]

I'd take the chef, I can get through most stuff with the inversion table and roller stick.

[@lharadrianherradura6642]

greatest traction of all time

[@RealParadox85]

8 better

[@paulkersey6283]

28s are the best..

[@zerocal76]

@@RealParadox85 Nope, I had 8s and then bought the 9s twice bc the 9s reached Goat status 👈

[@dreamcast64_cl36]

Super clean looks, love the Kobe 9s, but i really dont see why they so expensive.

[@attackoncam]

What socks have you been using for these performance reviews? Seen them in a handful of videos now.

[@andykhoa323]

@@attackoncam I believe they’re from Serious Player Only

[@attackoncam]

@@andykhoa323 Yeah, they are. Went back on older vids and noticed the SPO lettering on the tag. Could just be me, but they look different than the versions on their site though.

[@34kundalini]

I wore these on a cruise back in the day. It was the black cement colorway I believe. After I took pictures I wore them casually and walked my dog in them. Bro the sole was worn down to the bone grissel. 😂

[@Tashybro]

Could you put Move Insoles in this? I feel like if you put insoles in with the drop-in it'd fit really tight, but if you remove the drop-in and swap the insole in, it wouldn't work.. 😵‍💫

[@blacktopsuniverse6090]

Some reason on Sneaker app it was only the high version available for bigger sizes and Lows were GS only 😒

[@briankindred7601]

Will you be restocking the Weartesters t-shirt you’re wearing?

[@WearTesters]

I plans to restock which is why we hold pre-orders. We may have another design in the future though.

[@gunnarolsen937]

I wonder if and when Nike will ever address the sham of calling it a Protro rather than a retro🤔

[@MrAmazingasian16]

Can you review APL Superfuture (basketball) and/or APL Podium (running)?