Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro

[@andrewcalica2570]

I agree with you that these recent Kobe releases aren’t living up to why Kobe initially agreed to re-release his shoes. The plan was to only retro it with the specific purpose of improving performance and pushing technology. There’s no way Kobe would allow these releases with minimal and/or no improvements.

[@phillipparedes6444]

Nike don't care. It's all about the 💰💰💰

[@j190phil]

Then the shoe becomes a different shoe- ppl don’t want “new” Kobe’s

[@phillipparedes6444]

@j190phil no... you can't market a shoe as a "protro" (performance retro) if there are no real performance upgrades to the shoe. That's what Kobe envisioned for his line. We as consumers expect those shoes to be better than the original release.

[@bigdre824]

You say they "cant". But guess what...they are. Not that big of a deal to me.​@phillipparedes6444

[@Michal23824]

First of all I love Kobe, but he let them release 4s without any major upgrades, 1s were fire 6s are great but some issues with durability, then Nike just done Nike thing… 8s are the worst till now, will see how the performance review gonna be on these, that’s probably still gonna be L on SNKRS

[@icysolez23]

Kobe 9 Elite low is the BEST Kobe model imo, we really didnt know how good we had it when these were on NikeiD 😭😭

[@aikiemmoon7719]

Youre right😞

[@zureai]

I was too broke back then to nikeID some shoes 😂

[@Kmfern]

"To just put the Kobe 1 out was not an option for him," Nike Basketball footwear product director Tony Grosso tells B/R Kicks. "He would not budge on that." Kobe wanted his shoe to be "built for the professional athlete in 2018," according to Grosso. There were other interviews were designers wanted to just put suede or change in materials but Kobe outright would say “No”, that he wanted improvements in his shoes not just retroes. Unfortunately, it looks like Nike, without Kobe, is just doing what they originally thought of when they wanted to release his shoes.

[@MyLane579]

honestly if you want performance basketball shoes, you gotta go with Jordan brand. They've been getting since the 31.

[@QuasiDillaDOOM]

quick rant from a huge fan of the nike kobe line... i could be the only one, but since they both reached an agreement to release more kobes i see it as vanessa & nike have just been trying to capitalize on the hype of these shoes. i might be stating the obvious but a part of me doesn't want to believe that vanessa would do that without good reason. but all in all, its all been in bad taste and the optics of the situation scream greed. it's unfortunate that these "protros" aren't getting their just due and since kobe's passing, i'm starting to understand more & more why he was leaning towards starting his own brand (at least that's what i remember reading around the time of him renegotiating his nike contract). obviously i don't know kobe as a person, but from studying interviews (especially post-retirement) he always seemed genuine in creating things as best as they can be - whether its having a huge hand in designing his signature shoes with nike to The Punies podcast, his books, etc. He built Granity Studios because no others wanted to truly invest in his creative ideas rather they just wanted to slap his name on their ideas & collect his fan base. personally, it's just been really sad to watch people fight over these shoes that once sat on the back shelves of nike outlets and now sit on stockx for 3x the price. granted, the resell prices on each release feel like they're getting lower and i'm starting to see more people hit on snkrs/raffles. but with the decline of nike, they have no choice to make back their money with releasing sure fire sell outs somewhat frequently. idk these are just my thoughts and what i truly believe. would love to hear what others think, but yknow in a respectful manner lol.

[@cagataysucu439]

We need the Beethoven colorway back. They were just *chef's kiss*

[@jimdino77]

This

[@hworth3]

I missed out on those 😢😢, got purple ones

[@cagataysucu439]

@@hworth3 oh you got the Moonwalk Michael Jackson's? Those are sick as well. I had the high tops in Brave Blue colorway a long time ago, played in them till they fell apart. I was in love with how they looked and how they performed.

[@Jimmy.gatt.]

I have a brand new set still in the box

[@jonbrodes1290]

I think the gift of mamba will b elite as well

[@danbui5313]

If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. I’m a strong believer in if a traction pattern and rubber compound works great just keep spamming that action until it doesn’t work anymore. The curry flow, it’s been the same for about three or four years, but it works really well. I don’t get why everyone wants it to change… It’s boring, but it works and if you try to change it, there’s a good likelihood it’s going to be worse

[@ThreeForDays]

One of the best comments, literally no one is going to look at the bottom for your shoes when you hoop. Keep that thick herringbone in there, stop the unnecessary changes. That argument really only applies to collectors but they don’t represent the entire sneaker market when it comes to buyers.

[@ItsMeStrider]

the curry flow was the exact thing on my mind, yeah the outsoles mostly look alike nowadays but you'd be VERY hard pressed to find a better traction shoe than those because the whole setup just works.

[@Dipset415]

Only because I rocks with curyy I wear those ugly ass shoes💯😭

[@mattpettit9428]

“If you weren’t around at that time..” Andddd I’m old

[@doch9399]

A GT Cut 1 cushion set up would be spectacular as an addition to the Kobe Protros!!

[@augustooliveira5588]

I gotta say that seeing the pics of the 9 high instantly reminded me of the time i used to play indoor soccer after high school. I distinctly remember one day when some older boys that had already gratuaded were waiting our training to end to play basketball on the court and one of those dudes had a Kobe 9 high in the Lakers colorway. That shoe was so pretty and different from everything else that i had seen before that it marked me, to the point i would focus on high tops whenever i would get a new shoe, despite never being able to find an actual Kobe 9 in stores near me. Its such a shame that Nike didnt gave them the actual Protro treatment but i will still try to get one to finally fulfill this decade long desire lol

[@engelmann82]

I like the Nightcrawler alley-oop scenario! Wundervoll! 😊

[@Aznboi3328]

Kobe’s death has not only affected the availability to his shoes but the quality of the Protro models. He would not allow these drop in midsole to be limited to React foams. They need the drop in full length zoom as well if not a forefoot or heel zoom plus react/lunar/cushion setup

[@miked5580]

Can I but a separate, better drop in for these shoes and put them in? Or is that not possible? I'm new to all this and trying to get some good bball shoes for my son

[@ayyjayj]

They’re not gonna do it but atp they should just rebrand to retro and scratch the Protro moniker if they’re not going to update the tech. At the end of the day it’s $$$ and will sell regardless due to Kobe’s name attached to the shoe. Someone mentioned that if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and the changes that they did make to the shoe are pretty minute so even if they didn’t revamp it, it should remain a great performer. Aesthetically, I am loving it. This is probably the closest we get to Beethoven’s (barring a retro), HTM Milan’s, and Kobe’s 9 High PEs where the shoes feature a clean white flyknit and for that I’m so stoked. Hoping I can grab a pair for retail, esp in this economy lol! Great vid, Nightwing 🤙🏽 appreciate you always! That Milli coming 🔜

[@321tylaw]

This is greatest basketball shoe i’ve ever had in my life. I’m so excited that’s its back. I had the EM Dusty Cactus, Beethoven, and High Inspiration colorways. I had the chance to get another pair for cheap at sneakercon but I was being stingy back in 2018 💀. I pray I get for retail but I’ll do what needs to be done lol

[@traydizzle7721]

Have the dusty cactus as well. Greatest shoe to play in that I own.

[@joehabersham]

I understand the frustration. For me, the pros are my chance of getting the shoes in the first place. I probably wouldn’t wear them on court anyways, but I get why people are disappointed in the performance.

[@oliverg6643]

I had a pair of kobe 9 ext mids years back. They were all black with chrome and gum bottoms, i remember only wearing them casually but the grip on those were insane. The Nike PG 5s integrated the same traction patterns which was really good

[@khadorstrong]

I LOVE the Kobe 8 Protros. I wore them for an entire weekend when I walked like 20+ miles and it felt great; so I'll likely get these in a good color

[@THESouthernBuckeye87]

Commenting to feed the algorithm. This channel should be way bigger

[@TimKyoutube]

I made my elite low ID 9s in laker colors. Best shoe ever. Gotta dig em out of storage sometime. Havent seen daylight in 5+years

[@keyshaunj.1359]

That friend’s reference was hilarious 😂

[@Mario_Rz15]

Hope that you guys get the million soon, following you since the KicksOnCourt era

[@lilchaparro9126]

Dang I remember when published that video on the Nike ID Kobe…..that’s 10 years ago.

[@alf3052]

Hitting the like button and dropping a comment just to help my dawg Chris keep rolling in it! Shot outs to you bro!!

[@Kicksaddictnyjp]

Didn’t expect much of an upgrade other than the drop in but still happy to have a chance to get more colorways

[@kirbyperez]

You really are entertaining my guy Chris! Been reading your blogs back then for shoe reviews when I still didn't know you had a KZbin channel. Great work! Love the vids

[@tCruzin4Lyfe]

I prefer the Hi version. This model is so clean tho, my fav Kobe.

[@zhuomingdeng610]

WOW those kobe 9 ID looks fantastic! ! The colorway looks like "Tiffany". Man, what an era back then!

[@thelastwriter4000]

I think jean grey, rogue, night crawler, and quick silver would be unstopable. If any opponents become a problem I would ask rogue to go as Shaq would say "put them paws on them."

[@tbonefreak07]

You were preaching on the usage of the Nike GT cut zoom usage, just recreate it and throw it in the Kobes! Pickup game would be Juggernaut, Sabertooth, Wolverine, and Beast.

[@jaykerosene3440]

If the traction works, put it on more models. Growing up in the 80s, there were years upon years of different models in the force and flight lines that shared the same sole, and often midsole. And they sold year after year.

[@joogietv8063]

100% agree. I hate the idea of having that kind of midsole. I like the traditional style where its attached to outsole.

[@Tingjoe]

Colossus for the center, beast for the power forward, wolverine for the small forward, quicksilver for the guard and cyclops for the point

[@kimmythequeen7611]

I’m Gonna pick these up.. Clean look..

[@diegoroque7195]

One of the greatest ball shoes ever are back!!!

[@bernaberodriguezjr.9223]

Man I remember being 14 years old when the Kobe 9s dropped. I always wanted a pair but never had the funds. Got a job in high school and was able to get some Kobe 11s in 2016. Then 2018 came along and the Kobe protro 1 came out. I copped them and so pumped to get every release I missed out as a kid. Bummer that they aren’t following in the footsteps of the Kobe 1 protro. Not sure if there is anyone out there in their early 20s that has experience this or not.

[@ArjaySison19]

For the question of the day, the very first X-men I thought is Nightcrawler. I am glad that you put him in in your team last minute.

[@Christopher-bp9jo]

I love that GT cut idea in the protros that would definitely make them a true super saiyan protro lol

[@brianyee3096]

These are a really good looking shoe! They don’t have zoom? Come on

[@miked5580]

Is it possible to put a zoom/lunar midsole in like he was talking about? I don't understand that part

[@adrianfarcic1164]

Got a pair of Bruce Lee 9's sitting at home, beat to hell and a size too small now but they are still a favourite.

[@taroonbali]

when you held em side by side at 8:41 they looked pretty different to me.. maybe it's just the purple ones being hella broken in but even the collar height seems higher on the halos

[@donaldnewton6646]

Where would you suggest going to get these Kobe Protros from? Also, you need to create a shirt for the Penny 2s

[@BIG_GAME_WAYNE]

GREAT use of the word VAMPIN'. 👏 That's so OL' SCHOOL🎉

[@Ccalamari]

WearTesters deserves 1M

[@truthnotfeelings]

Kobe my favourite player all time, I almost cried when he died. Fun fact, I saw people online saying he was dead and thought he was trolling, I saw your post (nightwing/Chris) and that’s when I knew it was legit (you wouldn’t joke about that)

[@uwquang53]

Great video! Hoping to hit on these. The color way is simple but clean for casual wear too

[@njc3254]

well said on the protro not being so performance driven!!

[@xx_eazy-lee_xx5559]

I don’t even care about the colourway, if it’s a protro or retro. Just let me buy a pair at retail prices just once!

[@mangayeet]

Facts

[@treyjay9560]

Where are these gonna release? I don’t see them on SNKRS’, Foot Locker’s or any consignment store’s release calendars.

[@SHAWTY_GOTT]

Same man

[@paolopetrie1124]

Saaaame

[@paolopetrie1124]

I can see them on sneakrs now finally. 2 days before release. Tho it's just the high Tops. The lows are coming out on 19. September

[@ST_Reviews]

As a Kobe Fan who get to cop these re-release of Kobe's Line, I do have to shell extra money out to actually get the tech I want out of the shoe. I buy aftermarket drop in midsoles, zoom pods, strobels and incorporate them just to make the performance even more suitable on what's my preference. I do hope someone from Nike is reading and actually listening to their customers.

[@carlosvelasquez729]

Pre ordered my shirt and I can’t wait😫🥳🥳

[@alejandroaviles8824]

How are you not taking Beast!? He would be a literal beast in the paint, the combo of athleticism and power would be too much!

[@patrickgarcia4739]

I kind of had the same sentiment that you have about going back to traditional midsole. Nike is just taking what's the popular models without doing any of the "Protro" stuff like improving the tech, which bothers me. I would love Nike for the next shoe they can improve on is the Kobe 7, where it doesn't need a Kobe system like they used to, where they have two different midsoles to begin with. Maybe something like an updated cushion setup of the Kobe 6 Protro would be enough and making the tongue more traditional attached to the upper (more like torch tongue system would be better), since Kobe 7 didn't get much love. That would make a true Protro. But, I don't think that will happen and this is something I think about few days ago before the Kobe 9 "Protro" released.

[@TheRamdo88]

Great review as always Chris! Would you recommend the Kobe 4 or 9 Protro's?

[@derekjones1330]

Kobe 9 Moonwalker is my favorite Kobe

[@stenguyen1]

Gt1 will forever be best shoe since COVID.

[@variandavid377]

I agree with EVERYTHING you stated especially about how it could’ve been improved to be an actual protro. I’ve never owned a pair of Kobe 9s and I probably won’t since I refuse to play the game of it being limited. As for the question of the day, I’d pick morph (because he can change into anyone and would be my star player), wolverine (he’ll be like Barkley…solid screens, probably an amazing rebounder), apocalypse (because of his versatility), spiral and colossus (for defensive purposes) 😂

[@hugocruz3695]

What size do you recommend getting, I've never had a pair of Kobe 9 my only reference is a pair of Kobe 6 for which I went half a size up and they fit perfectly

[@trembledust6819]

Kicks look good. I prefer tru flyknit to the coated version but again...shoe looks good. Regarding Xmen questions. Im going to elect to use a proxy to play for me: Colossus -5, Warpath - 4, Quicksilver at the 1 or 2 (he was an x-man at one time so I am counting him 😁), Jean or Quintine Quir at 3 (telekinesis assisted threes and jumpers) and im blanking her but Nightcrawler for point. Villans / anti heroes: Apocolypse at the 5, Omega Red at 4, Sabertooth playing 3, Spiral at 1, and Black Tom Cassidy at the 2 Thanks for vid!

[@TLEE1977]

Just came from my closet. I have 14 of these OG pairs with most I've hooped in. 3 pairs are the EXT casual pair. Easily my favorite Kobe series, but I think Kobe would've demanded for "protro" on this release.

[@hummoses]

Magneto( he can adjust the rim in our favor and against the enemy), rogue (flying is def a benefit) , nightcrawler for teleportation, and beast( strong , solid IQ, seems like a good chemistry guy)

[@bigdre824]

They are so clean but I have same complaint with my Kobe 8s...that rubbery insert catches your sock when trying to put them on. Once they're on and you readjust your socks, they're great. But why couldn't they make the surface of the insert less rubbery or more smooth so your foot Slides in? Otherwise, I can't wait to get these.

[@BenjaminWilliams-n2g]

Great color might buy this one

[@willib323]

I dont see why a basketball brand like nike hasnt signed you yet. They can make the design, but as far as tech you should have major input

[@JJcDAmAn1]

I still have my pair of Kobe 9 EM Philippines and as much as I'd like to hoop in them, the sole is separating so all I can do is just look at them from time to time. Here's hoping I can cop a pair of these

[@CYSA2122]

Chris and Jody, sneaker royalty 👑

[@beno6198]

Once those grooves break in I know it’ll be a comfy ride!!!

[@casualsneakercollector24]

BATTLEKNIT from LeBron 18/19 would have been awesome to see on the Kobe 9 Protro but I guess that's too much to ask for :(

[@eddyZnd]

I would totally subscribe twice if I could. Amazing channel 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@supremegmorris6975]

They look nice. I like that new swoosh.

[@ItsMeStrider]

Nike cheaping out on kobes is so in character it's not even disappointing anymore.

[@alvinp4595]

Road to 1mil! C’mon!! Lezzzggoooo!

[@TseStanley23]

The torch-like tongue..has always been AMAZING...this needs to be standard

[@thedoubleu1]

Sooper miss my Kobe Elite Victory A’s colorway 👌🏼🔥🔥🔥 was comfy bt got em a hlf size small 2nd hand VNDS for $100 can’t beat that price🙏🏼 just hope they re release and the Mardi Gras were fire 🫡🙏🏼👌🏼🔥🔥🔥

[@brauprx]

Great video and take on this whole "protro not really protro" thing. After a really great and promising start with the Kobe 1 protro, that thing has been a mess: the skip on the IIs and IIIs, the false description of the IVs (with the absence of forefoot cushion), the (kinda) improvement on the Vs and VI with the Zoom turbo but lack of heel units, another skip (and another missed oportunity and the one with the biggest room for improvement) with the VIIs, the dissapointment with the VIIIs and now we have the IXs, my god, it's been a downward spiral. Does the OG elite highs and ems have that same poron layer on the forefoot? I only have the lows. For the QOTD, that brought me an old memory of an X-Men comic (can't remember exactly which) where they were playing pickup ball on the yard with the rule of no use of their powers, and Logan complained because Gambit was wiping the floor with them, stating that super agility was one of his powers 😂. I guess I would pick Colossus, Psylocke, Gambit and Nightcrawler.

[@360therapy8]

I own a pair of the original K9. Only play indoors. The shoes are still in good shape, but the insoles are dead. You have any recommendations for replacements?

[@ADUSN]

I remember when these first dropped. Should have never sold my moonwalkers but alas, goated shoes

[@Matty2Times]

I think they should keep the drop in. I am one who enjoys the lebron 11 insole the most as well so I agree there should be multiple but i don’t mind the drop in overall

[@isaiahfernandez4162]

The Kobe 9 my all time favorite I never got to own ): we were going through rough times when these came out. I hope I can get my hands on one of these this time

[@ShilzGhost]

Love you guys, I love the chemistry between you guys, also elite shoe reviews, come to you for all new drops. I can't find a vid where you talk about shoe bags, please let me know the site and your discount code

[@jchung1506]

Thank you 🙏.

[@Re-InCarNation]

Does the Zion 3 se full length zoom drop in midsole fit better than the Lebron 11s?

[@MARINJosephDaniel]

was wondering; could you take the li-ning boom drop-in from the 808 series and put those in there? also, given the concept of the protro, i think it's easy to say everyone probably did expect these were gonna come with zoom embedded into the carrier (react x/ zoom x scrap).

[@shayp3kicks]

Nike needs you as an advisor or something.. It honestly feels like our expectations were through the roof for Protro's after the 1. I feel like every thing after that was just a Retro. That wouldn't be bad if they never introduced the Performance Retro concept...

[@jessematthie3646]

To what Chris said, there is a shoe like these but they made it a full on midsole. Puma clyde all pro and the follow up puma clyde all pro nitro. Basically a kobe 9 minus the drop and the logo. But to be honest the best protros are 5s and 6s and even that they could have done better on.

[@MM-x6c]

QOTD: No idea! (But I did comment on the Rat King video.) It's the Kobe 9 Elite Plateautro. I like the colorway. But beyond that, it feels like Nike is doing a cheap take on Kobe's vision and that makes me sad. Thanks for the video! 128K subs to go--I can smell a million.

[@MeechYaboy]

I wish they’d done what serious player only done and given us multiple mid soles that we can purchase or give us a Nike by you with drop in midsoles. Nike has the tech to give us this.

[@cesarsoto5735]

Always been very curious of 9 and 10s wonder how they play

[@MasterJPzilla]

Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Quicksilver and Colossus! Other than the Golden State Warriors, which NBA franchise is your favorite and why?

[@alexmeza9243]

Did you see the first look of the JA 2? Much better looking than the 1 and resemble a Kobe in my opinion

[@joserod05]

Can I put this drop in to my old 9’s???

[@GH05TLYR4NG3R]

You said that the drop-in was better than the eight Proto, but how does it compare to the original Kobe nine drop in? Never touch the eight pro but I have a couple of the nines.

[@by_run]

Nike has been slacking on these new protro’s. Sad to see what they are doing to kobe’s protro line. Awesome review as always.

[@patinthehat9637]

DarkWing, any 10.5 laying around? Much Love to you and your Lady . You guys are awesome

[@MonicaChrisFC]

im so glad i didnt throw away my kobe 9s, i cant use the shoes but the insoles are def usable

[@bapetista5805]

night crawler is a must

[@lukebasham2220]

These are dope, but Jike doesn’t change much or use your suggestions cuz they sell out anyway. No motivation to improve. X Men Pick up game…Wolverine, Noghtcrawler, Jean , and Magneto😉

[@maui8435]

These are beautiful ❤

[@raiderdefendant2225]

Full length air zoom is awesome. Why don’t they just put that in every basketball shoe?

[@sobrangitm]

how does the "protro" react drop in compare to the original lunarlon? Also TYSM for dropping this review way ahead of the release! Always love the WT Team and the in-depth, detailed reviews 🙏🏾🐍

[@KenshinWolf601]

Which Lebron model would u see get a retro or get a protro type treatment?

[@datharo5]

Nike really needs to hire Chris and Jodi... A while ago they had a discussion about the Kobe 8 protro felt it was released or anything was leaked any it... Make the shoe look like the original but get rid of the drop-in part of it and make it a regular sneaker. Nike can only do so much by tweaking the traction and using a react drop in. I love me some Zoom. It may be a technology that's 30 years old but Nike has yet to find anything to improve the way zoom did to regular air soles. Like these would have been great to have zoom in the heel or have bottom loaded full length zoom or Zoom stroble. EDIT: sorry i was ahead of myself, Chris mentions. The 9 being released as a regular show instead of with a drop in