What Nike Should Be Doing with the Kobe 8 Protro

Hey Guys! Today we take a break from the sneaker reviews and decide to discuss a topic that has been on Chris' mind. These are the things we feel Nike Should be Doing with the Nike Kobe 8 Protro.
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[@konbal8]

imo the lack of interest comes from most people not being able to buy kobes, most basketball people want to play in kobes and when they cost 500$ because resellers get them nike knows people wont play in them and dont care about performance

[@thecomickeeper5127]

Exactly . Did chris mention this fact at all?

[@goodcompanyman]

You sound like Nike possesses limitations making these shoes… Nike can just make more quantity, make them cheaper, or make them better without question. Any 1 of these and the problem will be solved The main issue is Nike (and/or Venessa) are treating these like some exclusive collabs and misusing Kobe’s name and the term Protro

[@mylesngala]

@@goodcompanymanNike can definitely make them better, so that they actually fit the Protro term.

[@konbal8]

@@goodcompanyman i mean it is entirely nike's fault, just make more like any other normal shoe. Even at 180 euros (retail in greece) i would surely buy a couple of pairs.

[@badguy344]

not really them not caring who wears thems, its more like why improve them if theyre always selling out. if we didnt have to worry about reselling and quanity issues we'd see more people critique these retros but as of now people are just being grateful to actually get a pair of any kobe, i personally dont like how they removed the heel zoom unit in the 6's but ill be damn glad if im ever able to cop a pair.

[@markg5419]

Kobe 1 protro was the definition of how to do a protro and will always be cemented in my in my top 5 hoop shoes.

[@Cashmoneez]

5 yrs later they still my go to outdoor shoe

[@giogiogiogi0]

Nike should release more Kobe merch like shirts, hoodies, etc. and make them more accessible

[@Richard-Reloaded]

Nike should release more Kobe shoes.

[@malcolmhilariion2877]

This specifically is a really good point. Aside from the shoes it’s like they shelved all the tshirts and hoodies type stuff which really killed off the connection to the shoes

[@carlogara7818]

kobe elite socks

[@ThomasCustance]

I agree. There is no reason I should have to enter into a SNKRS raffles for an overpriced $50 plain white t shirt with a Kobe mamba shield on it. The only jerseys you can get a $300+ authentic jerseys or resale special edition jerseys

[@ken901_kt]

I don't even go after Kobe anymore because the bots and the resellers are going to get all of them

[@nassiglutt6587]

Same here. I only got the AS 6s and that's it. No more paying ressell, it ain't worth it as there are Sabrina's and and linings ect

[@cieldonalano1987]

You hit the nail there especially not making these available to the public for everyone to experience and enjoy the legacy of kobe kicks

[@mylesngala]

I think if everyone had it, then not as many people would want it.

[@bruddahmanmatt]

Chris looking like he wanna punch the air every time he gotta explain what a Protro is again. Lol

[@justanotherbruin]

I've been trying to get a pair of Kobe's for years now and unfortunately they are just impossible to get for the average person. It's difficult to stay interested in a shoe line that's so unobtainable, which is why I've ignored some of the more recent Kobe releases this year. I would choose to not sneeze, although I would worry about the health ramifications of not expelling the particles that need to be removed from your nasal cavity.

[@samodigboh]

The lack of availability is the problem with Nike. They’re not making the most hyped line of basketball shoes since Jordan’s widely available. So when they drop and no one can buy them because they’re limited in quantity I’m gonna blame the swoosh because how are you not going to mass produce an item you will undoubtedly make your money back on them guaranteed and why make getting the products a shot in the dark where it’s almost impossible to do so

[@davidc3534]

On top of that there's the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about and that is that reps (fakes) Kobes are gaining popularity and reviewers say the good ones are as good or better performance wise than retail. So if you can get Kobes that look real to 99% of people and play like Kobes for 1/3 the price of resellers it seems like a no brainer. ESPECIALLY when you can further min/max the peformance buy buying serious player one midsoles and using those on rep 8s, 9s, 11s etc... Then your paying 220 bucks all in for kobes that have midsoles as good as any shoe on the market instewd of paying 500 bucks for protros with cushioning that has been surpassed in every way by new shoes.

[@mtan417]

It’s eats into other signature shoe sale

[@watchthesix]

Remember when the Protros came out BEFORE he passed away? All (or almost all) original colors were available, on shelves, sitting. Since his passing, resellers came to wipe out all the stock, and Nike had FOUR years to do something about it. They did nothing. Better yet, they doubled down on the situation, and just limited everything and gatekeep the original colorways, and now look where we're at. That alone speaks volume to how much they really care.

[@rgfsjsu]

I remember very clearly what you stated. They literally sat and i got a couple of to protro 1’s each for under $100. I wore one and the other NIB. I had to pay resell for the Bruce Lee v because by then he was long gone. haven’t even tried getting protro since the Bruce Lee V. And don’t plan on it.

[@asande7126]

I used to watch you Foamer Simpson, and Kickgenius back when yall used to make the perfornance reviews and I recently got the Kobe 8 Protro since I only had only used the Kobe 9 and Jordan 29 in highschool. After playing in the protro for a while, they are definitely a decent basketball shoe and ill continue to wear them, but I find myself just going back to my Kobe 9's more. Because my feet are on the flatter side, the carbon fiber piece can feel pretty annoying and gave me a small blister. I would have liked them to put zoom in the insoles also and pair the zoom with react instead of phylon because I remember the foam they used back in 2013 on Kobe 8 elite was too firm and the zoom wasn’t too noticeable. Appreciate the videos, keep up the great content!!

[@sakuragi_X]

Kobes are almost impossible to get if you are outside of USA

[@OliverWulff]

yeah fr ive entered in like 13 raffles since august last year and didnt get a single pair

[@bball3048mm]

They are near impossible for us in the USA too.

[@kirbyaugustine761]

The problem with the lack of interest in all popular retro shoe releases… limited release amounts for sale and resellers. Period!

[@kyousakee]

Totally agree with the questionable choice of colorway releases... I was really looking forward to getting Sulfurs and Milk Snakes, both of which were very special to me back in college but so far I'm not a big fan of the current colorways that have been protro'ed so far. Another problem are the sneaker flippers add a barrier for people wanting to buy them. Looking at my online marketplace, you'll see so many pairs being sold for 250-350 buck. Really frustrating.

[@hugo21539]

You’re spot on with the color ways. Why the “sulfur” one hasn’t been released makes no sense. The Kobe 8s got me into sneakers and it’s just sad that people like me that actually want them can’t get them. They should release more original color ways and distribute more pairs in stores and not just online, maybe that will help combat bots.

[@Xen0uNiT]

It took a looooong time for my Kobe 8 protros to feel broken in; like 5 3-hour pickup ball sessions long. And even after all that, they really didn’t feel like an upgrade. I end up going back to my Sabrina 1s to play in

[@alvingoh8000]

The OG kobe 8 was my favourite basketball shoe to play in. The Kobe 8 protro on the other hand messed up my foot so bad. I think its the combination of the react which cushion is very bad plus the outsole which feels extremely hard. It make this shoes not playable for me.

[@Himothy509]

I loved the Kobe line growing up. I have attachment to a lot of the models as they were originally releasing as I played hoops on middle school and high school. The thing that really bothers me is how high msrp is for these newer Kobe releases without much change! Remember snagging some Kobe 4s on Eastbay (Geez we getting old) for $120 bucks. Now fast forward 15 years or so and we paying an extra $70 (new msrp is $190) for what exactly? Feels like a money grab at times. That’s just for the 4s but also applies to a lot of the Kobe protro models. I just wonder what Kobe would think if he was alive. He was always pushing Nike and their design team for more out of his products. Smh let’s hope for a better 2025 and beyond from Nike.

[@cyrilcamarines4203]

Hopefully this platform can reach the brand executives and do something about it. The unavailability of the product to everyone in the retail stores makes it impossible for vast majority of people acquring Kobes and give honest feedbacks. Which in return makes it hard for the brand to improved and they just collect sold out money for few chosen people.

[@tatersalad417]

If only Chris could be a part of the brand direction! We’d see some cool stuff.

[@Zo-Killa]

I wonder if Nike is really watchin n listenin. We had sooooo many other 🔥 shoes back in the day. Like the Air Barrage, Air Mission, Air Shake Ndestrukt n remember React Frenzy? 🔥🔥🔥 u cud do a whole episode on all the heat we had growin up

[@aidan2268]

The Kobe 8s has some of the coolest color ways but they don’t want to reach in the vault for some reason

[@felixcabeca]

One of the better vids y'all have dropped in a while. Little change in format + a topic that hoopers are asking about (summary of Kobe protros) = one of the quickest views I've had on your channel. Keep up the good work

[@freeatlast1810]

Damn right. 100% correct. The amount of times I've tried to get a pair of Kobes TO PLAY in..... Impossible. I'm a size 13 and most basketball players have big feet. So please release more. I rarely see anyone on the court wearing Kobes. And when I do I think "they must be fake" because no one should be spending £500+ on a pair of shoes

[@Bucksfan758]

I agree we definitely need more retro color ways in the 8s

[@andrewcalica2570]

Bring NikeID back on these joints.

[@datharo5]

I agree though with colorways. I'm surprised Nike isn't feeding more into people's nostalgia of the Kobe 8. They should make more colorways Kobe wore or pull a Jordan Brand and make og colorways on the Kobe 8 or other Kobe's for that matter... Like a carpe diem, 81 points, purple reign, or even celebrate some of his pre nba achievements like a McDonald's all American...

[@by_run]

The problem with these big corporations is that they are all about the profit margins. Awesome review as always. 👌🏽

[@TOF2485]

I got lucky and hit on the court purple 8s. The colorways have been lackluster or would have been team colorways back in the early 2010s. I want more retro colorways.

[@muji198]

I have given up on Nike on anything (if) I can get my hand on and perform on court: - Can't buy them for retail (or below) - Colourways are wack - Fits like a banana and most of them are too damn narrow Since I have number of shoes I own and plenty of choices with other brands, I have given up on Kobes.

[@bball3048mm]

Most Nikes are like banana narrow fit. These days I just wear barefoot shoes for performance basketball.

[@lesterdanlecaros5280]

Your points in this video are effin on-point! 🔥

[@sethburnham7264]

Amen! You nailed it Chris. I completely agree. There was a time when the Kobe 8 was on 95% of all basketball and volleyball youth players. Now it’s only the rich kid, or the ones who have small enough feet to wear reps, who are wearing Kobe’s.

[@jtesla445]

Kobe 4 needed better cushion too. Moving forward, all Kobe models should have at least full length zoom

[@carltubice3964]

Finally someone said it! Been wondering as well why the sulfur colorway is still not yet re-issued! Loved those shoes!

[@MambaForever8_24]

I agree! Nike has been lazy and uncreative with the Kobe protro releases, but they charge insane prices and limit the quantity. Like this video points out, there's zero excuse for not updating the performance aspects of this shoe more than they have. Just changing the foam from lunarlon to react is still outdated for today's standards. They should be putting the best foam in the updated Kobe pretors and making it compatible with the shoe. Also, looking at my original Kobe 8 shoes, the laces were much longer and better in my opinion. The new laces on the Venice beach protro 8s are so short, that without tying my shoes so tight, I barely have enough lace to double knot my shoes, terrible! Just Do It (Better) Nike!!

[@vsChris]

For me it comes down to how hard they are to get and the price. I still look at Kobe’s as a hoops shoe first and I’m not inclined to pay $180 or $190+tax for a hoops shoe when there are plenty of other great ones that come in at a much better price.

[@UltraCA209]

ID'd a pair of kobe 11s back in the day and was able to pick the full length zoom midsole option, threw those in my Kobe 8's until the air bags gave out..... Those things were amazing

[@thiennguyen9747]

i think thats the exact part of Vanessa business plan, she wanted Kobe for everyone, so Kobe 8 failing rn is a good thing for majority of the fans. imagine going on sale at 120-130 for protro 8, thats a must cop.

[@sinsear2404]

Looking back I think we took the Kobe line for granted, back in the day they were all over the outlets. Now I lose out on every release. 😢

[@juliusacefernandez6131]

I copped Halo 8's, Reverse Grinch 6's, Gift of Mamba 4's, Philly 4's, Italian Camo 6's & Venice Beach 8's in the last 7mons. (All paid at resell price & will not do that again). Still owning Carpe Diem 4's, 5X Champ 5's & White Del Sol 6's (all paid retail). TBH there are many cheaper alternatives that are better than any Kobe Protos I have.

[@mervinstevenrecto9191]

When Chris mentioned the Sacramento heat. I just said to myself, what about the Vegas heat? Can’t even play outdoors man. Hahahaha

[@soleperfect236]

Honestly this video was needed. I have the “Halo” pair and the “Venice Beach” both size 8.5. For whatever reason the Halo are stiff uncomfortable and hurt my feet to play in. The Venice Beach and maybe it’s the tongue is better to play in but the React insert sucks. It’s not like the OG at all. Hopefully the what the pair has a better react insole because it’s not consistent.

[@shayp3kicks]

This video was amazing. I agree whole heartedly.. now the comment "Except for the ball players took me out 🤣🤣🤣🤣".

[@Wicked_Runs]

Add the Kobe 8 to Nike By You (AKA Nike ID). The people who want the shoes will be able to get them and Nike can charge even more money. You could also allow people to choose what midsole they want (Lunar, Lunar + heel zoom. Lunar + full length zoom). I believe the Kobe 11 Nike ID offered that.

[@TheWacoKid44]

Kobe 8 super hero. Forefoot and heel zoom. Still the best setup I’ve ever had.

[@fonzrod8671]

As a ball player, the father of two sons that play, and a coach I was hopeful when the idea of better performing Kobe’s came around. I’ve been disappointed in the availability of any of the Kobe’s as I’ve been unlucky in getting any pair for any of us. My oldest son has spent the past season playing in my OG Kobe 9 pop art and the cny, as well as his JA 1’s and has taken to swapping out the drop in from my Lebron 11’s for the full length zoom. It would be nice to see some OG color ways come out that are an actual protro that are attainable. I wonder what Kobe would have to say about the current issues with actual ball players not being able to get the shoes and them not fully living up to what he envisioned for the continuation of his line were he still alive.

[@BabayaGuns]

In the end of the day I just want to be able to get Kobes for retail. I dont like the feeling that I have to fight a lot of resellers . I just want to be able to go to a store and be able to check them out like before

[@tiismuna]

The brands making it limited just don't make justice. If you actually buy them, that expensive will you actually wear them for what they actually intended to? What a waste of Protro/improvement

[@Musicman-ct3bl]

Kobe 4 Philly is my favorite color way. Had to pay resale 😅😅

[@ll1ll1ll1ll1ll]

JB did swappable drop ins with the Jordan 2011 and 2012, and only a few weirdos (like me) like those. Using a LeBron 11 insole for anything but wearing a LeBron 11 is madness to me. Godlike shoe.

[@Analykix]

For aesthetics, I also think that Nike should release the OG colorways. New ones like Mambacita are always welcome to give respect. For performance, I using ZoomX foam could be used as the drop-in. Finally, the reseller game makes it harder for the normal consumers to get them. With a lot of brands offering different shoes that might interest the average consumer more with a good price and easier to get, that could be another factor.

[@leonardokonasugawa8640]

just make og again

[@slimwhitman1974]

Thanks again Chris for the review, thanks for calling out Nike about the quality and the ability to obtain the Kobe's, so hard to get for retail.

[@1of1podcast21]

Nike needs to bring that lunar and zoom drop in back man. I’m so surprised no athlete has begged for it in their shoes either. Thought when we got the gt cut with drop nike might lean back toward drop ins but they’ve actually gotten farther from it.

[@avxrevo]

I remember how it felt when I laced up those Lebron 11s. It was such a weird yet pleasant experience

[@mylesngala]

This vid reminds me of what Foot Doctor Zach has been doing recently where he takes a sneaker, addresses its biggest problems, and uses his foot doctor knowledge to fix them. I would love to see the both of you guys collaborate on a video. It would combine the perspectives of passionate sneakerheads and foot enthusiasts. Lol

[@IAmInfinitus208]

And promote on how to take feet health and safety in consideration!

[@TAHJ1987]

Honestly kobe is my goat..and I only wear kobe shoes to hoop in..from the Addias kobe 2 to the protos..I've worn them all...I don't mind paying extra for what I want..but the bummer for me has been the colorways...like for the 6s..the reverse chaos, or black del sols...they skipped the 7 all together...posion dart frogs..and the 8s...the orginal 8s, Easter, red camos...it just seems there doing safe all white colorways, or generic colors instead if the ol g colorways...

[@JoseMorales-wl1nh]

I just wanted to comment on the Kobe 8s with drop in insoles. My Fade To Black 8s had a zoom air on the heel. The What The Kobe’s also had them I think. I also owned the black/gold elite. Those had the zoom bag plus the soft liner that lifts to show the spot for the Nike chip. I think my ASG Kobe 8s have a similar setup. I didn’t own them, but I think the Green Superhero Kobe 8 with the fly wire also had that spot for the chip.

[@losangelescardinals]

I went into this video for the Kobe opinion and left reminded for my love of the LeBron 11. That shoe got too much hate when it released and if my favorite LeBron ever

[@williamwasson1745]

I definitely agree with the lack of interest in their designs, but I absolutely love the Venice Beach 8.

[@jjoshuaoliva]

i put spos explosive drop in kobe 8s makes it instantly better, but agree with chris makes heel higher

[@dende0216]

Thank god for the rep manufacturers making most of Kobe 4s and 6s widely availabe.

[@ralphtree03]

Chris speaking truth! put the kobe 8 in 'nike by you' and let the consumers pick the drop-in midsole they want.

[@oliviersylla8371]

It’s wild for me to experience an older shoe being released once again. Still can’t find one like before tho (when i couldn’t afford them)

[@Turbokitten643]

Chris, we need more of these videos. Great job, bro!

[@xVanze]

I played in the original Kobe’s 8s with lebron 11 insoles and it was the perfect shoe. The extra height in the lebron drop in took out some of the extra room in the Kobe 8 shell too so the fit and cushion were 10/10 for me. The new 8s upper feels a little different too. I don’t remember the original needing any break in time but the new upper is stiff af

[@eddie3600]

hopefully we get Kobe's vision of the protro moving forward 🤞, and i rather not sneeze at all

[@cervanteforfun1864]

Great looking shoe. Full length zoom should be the base standard and than mix it up with whatever foam cushion the actual athlete prefers since it's their shoe. Among other techs they want in it.

[@amancalledhawk5575]

I agree with the part about the serious player only drop in midsole because remember Nike had it first on the Nike id for the cp3 Jordan’s and the Kobe but you couldn’t buy the drop in insoles separately I guess they didn’t want to have surplus idk

[@johnegbert2330]

Bro THANK YOU it makes no sense what Nike is doing. That Sulfur colorway needs to be out already. You make such a good point about the soles too. Anyone at Nike care more about meaning then money?

[@wkffchameleons]

Jodi - You should totally ask “what doesn’t live in water” as the question of the day in a couple weeks.

[@mpomarico]

Nike works with Union. Union jordans were the best manual friendly releases. Its crazy to imagine nike cant release kobes through the mamba website more consistently with union like releases.

[@HoodieBugz]

As a true Kobe fan. I take what I can get. As long as the Kobe's I'm good. I'm going to cop the "Girl Dad" Kobes in all it's green greatness.

[@wl7291]

On the Kobe shoe reddit I was talking to someone the other day about why Nike didn't commit to drop in midsole shoes across the board or for more signatures and also selling the different padding versions so you can swap them out. They don't even sell zoom midsoles tho so they're just choosing to be useless.

[@mohamedb8562]

In my opinion 1. We need more colorways. More new colorways and more original colorways 2. PUT THE KOBE’S IN Nike By You 3. I agree, an easy innovation would be just offer different type of drop-in midsoles. But, don’t lock them behind different general colorways if that makes sense. (Could Put them in Nike By You so at least we can pick and choose) 4. Bump up the stock, especially on the performance models (6/8 for example but 4 girl dad was more aesthetically focused) 5. Just a sidenote, are we ever going to get new models in the Kobe line? I really love the topic and I think more videos like this would be great for the channel! Or even talking about stuff like this in the podcasts. Potential topic for another video: What is Jaylen Brown’s shoe situation and why doesn’t he sign with one of the great new brands that we see?

[@mikeytappe]

Everyone in the comments is saying lack of availability and I agree. Kobe will always be my favorite player, but my interest waned when I could never buy a pair for retail. I don’t even try anymore. I’ve completely gave up in trying to purchase a pair and I’m okay with it at this point.

[@logans2135]

Jordan 39. Zoomx drop in plus full length zoom strobel🤤. Can’t wait

[@BobbyObado]

I really hope they watch this over there. I know they won't listen, but I really hope they do.

[@noheauxsdrew]

Hey Chris, no longer part of the discord (wasn't super active on it and I couldn't afford to renew) but I just wanted to see if anyone in the community needed a pair of the Kobe 4 Girl Dad in a men's 10. If anyone has a 9 l'd appreciate that but if not l'd rather sell them to someone for retail than someone resell for profit. Even if anyone you personally knew wants them I can help with that since I live in Sacramento. Love everything you do, still watch every video!

[@Tommiart]

I'm sure they could do something with the Rubber outsole composition.

[@jaybird634]

I'm looking forward to the Jordan 39 . That shoe looks 🔥. Plus the tech specs. Thanks for the review and info. God bless y'all

[@IAmInfinitus208]

Helps that MJ decided to come back and help too! That, and we're finally getting ZoomX in the midsole for a Nike/Jordan basketball shoe!

[@svgnzls600]

I remembered after Kobe died, I thought of how Nike will approach the Kobe line moving forward. I said they should let the people get over the effect of Kobe’s death first, then release new colorways so that the resell price won’t be abused by resellers and make it sort of available for everyone. Kobe 8s are a good example of that now, trash colorways, but atleast it’s a bit more affordable and available since the demand is relatively low even if they still sold out. The public perception isn’t that much interested with the new releases, which lowers the value. I’ve seen a lot of 8s on FB Marketplace near retail price, with just like a $20 markup

[@Icecoldhoneybadger]

The 8s are my favorite but the releases from Nike could be better, i also would appreciate seeing the sulfurs, purple gradients, mambacurials being protro'd, but I am looking forward to the TB series, also I'd like that Kobe 6/Nike SB collab 🔥🔥🔥

[@jordanhall8739]

This is definitely a failure from Nike’s leadership. They are making their money because they are charging $50 more dollars for a shoe they did very little to improve. They aren’t dropping any og colorways, and the ones they do drop are not good. Distribution and availability has been the last straw for a lot of people. They were originally available at most malls and big box sneaker stores, but now they are almost exclusively sold at tier zero boutiques.

[@NS-rp1wg]

Nike: do what Chris said and offer us replacement drop-in midsoles and upgraded versions, like with full-length Zoom Air!

[@SnkrsandCards]

I have multiple Kobe 8 Protro. I would have to say wearing Nike Elite Socks with Kobe 8 Protro isn't very comfortable. That react cushion system does suck. It takes way too long to break in. I want my full length zoom on that shoe.

[@jzoeteman7424]

Ya my drop ins on the original 8 were zoom air and lunar foam

[@brianbenavides236]

Nike just doesn't care about it's customers. As sneakers became more popular and every half ass release sold out they just stopped giving quality products. Specifically with the Kobe's it's a shame they're going against his vision. They could easily make them better, more available and still be profitable but it's Nike and they don't care

[@rafenzo03]

Been using my Kobe 8’s with Li Ning JB 1’s insole👌

[@levzakharov]

Interesting format, much more appealing than yet another AJ1 colour-way 😎 keep questioning, they might hear it!

[@arkhamknight_21]

when will a new episode of unlaced be out on youtube just started to watch the podcast episodes anyway love the sneaker content

[@timinoz1]

Nike should have a global basketball player registration system for pre purchase. That way they can know how many shoes they’ll need to satisfy player demand for future releases.

[@therealakmal]

I think the main issue is how hard it is to get a pair. The colourway and is it a protro or just tweak close second and third. Apart from Kobe 1, the others are some what just tweaks rather than upgrades.

[@30minforasn]

I’ve hit on 3 straight kobe releases, venice beach, gigi, and girl dad. Actually the wifey did, thats some crazy luck! 😂

[@mikhailcc]

i love these topic vids Chris!! 🔥 gonna vent here: the fact that the price of Kobe’s in the resale market instantly quadrupled upon the MOMENT Kobe died is what really upsets me. I was buying used Kobe’s to hoop with on Mercari and Poshmark for $50-80 before he passed and even bought Kobe 1 Protros on GOAT for under $90… it’s an odd universe we live in.. one that Kobe and Gigi died too soon and one where Kobe’s are literally unattainable collectibles when they’re supposed to be for hooping!!!! i’m through with these resellers capitalizing on a legend’s death 💀 also I completely agree with the quality decrease and just the fact Nike is counting money at this point. it’s lazy for sure and it’s why a lot of hoopers are moving to other brands. Makes me miss the golden age of Nike signature basketball shoes. 🥲

[@TheDorkKnight824]

Nike knows what we want and like playing in but they give us stuff we don’t want. But the Nike Kobe 8 elite had Heel and Forefoot separated zoom air. But i know they can give us zoom stroble with a lunar or react foam because ZoomX is too soft to be a carrier foam to hold the full length zoom

[@rodneyjackson1598]

Seeding the shoes is also an issue. Never thought shoes would be about who you know instead of just buying what you like. I would love for the milk snakes to return and the sulfur. Take them off SNKRS and raffle then the bot wouldn’t really work.

[@TheMonroid]

bring back Nike ID or by you for the protro's!!! with drop in options!

[@Re-InCarNation]

I wish they make the Kobe 8 a Nike ID and allow us to add zoom midsole. The Jordan 39s have full length zoom and zoomx foam, add that to the Kobe 8 or 9 protro.

[@JohannesMusic]

Just received my Kobe Protro 8

[@MotorsportThrottle]

Interestingly enough, this is where I notice maybe lack of interest; Nike recently release Kobe girl dad 4’s. I missed it by 2-3 min and then pondered whether I should buy them in sz.11. I eventually said yes at minute 4 and got them. There were plenty of sizes available at that time so makes me think maybe the interest wasn’t there. Either way, I only buy Kobe’s to play in. Have yet to play in them yet but will surely play in them soon. 🎉🎉 can’t wait for some 8’s or 10’s to come out.

[@jcole__3]

As someone that always saw Kobe’s sitting in footlockers and my parents only giving me budget of 100-120 bucks, I really wish I could’ve experienced Kobe’s before the protros. I am happy I do have the 6s and now two 8s in the Venice beach and uni red, but idk I hate that it might make me look like bandwagon when Kobe legit is my favorite basketball player but just never was able to get his shoes. I always wanted the Kobe 9 what the’s and the 8 in that green and black colorway. To be 14 and 15 again lol

[@miguex3694]

The elite had a firm phylon with bottom loaded forefoot & heel zoom air