Nike Kobe 9 Protro

[jayocampo]

My pair just arrived and here’s some of my initial thoughts. The protros fit way more snug than the OG Christmas pair I have. The toe box on the Christmas is way wider but I much prefer the fit of the protros in comparison. They feel more like the 9 elite low that was super snug. I’m a narrow footer though so that’s probably why. Idk what’s going on with the shape in that last picture but the protro look like a whole *** banana

One thing I’m interested in seeing is how they fit during pickup runs. I had this weird uncommon issue with the OGs that would affect me so much I had to shelve them. For some reason with the OG at the highest part where the carbon fiber comes up on the heel, that specific area used to cut up my ankles on both sides and on both feet. When I feel inside the Christmas pair you can feel that carbon fiber piece just poking out which feels extremely sharp. On the protro I don’t experience that currently when I place my finger at those spots. These would have been my favorite bball shoes of all time if not for that issue so I’m hoping the protros work out for me.

Ok I thought I was buggin too but the shape was def more banana shaped on mine too. I needed the toebox to bit a bit more wider for my fat foot like the OGs.

 

[rainking]

I’m glad the pattern on these ones I got are noticeably different that my OGs. More greeen before and more red now. My wife says I’m crazy and it’s the same thing though

No, the Protros are DEFINITELY more red-based. She must be colorblind LOL
It kinda bums me out because I really love how my OGs are, like yours, more orange/yellow/green. Protros still look cool but that OG color combo is on another level, at least in my eyes.

 

[ladfallo]

No, the Protros are DEFINITELY more red-based. She must be color blind LOL
It kinda bums me out because I really love how my OGs are, like yours, more orange/yellow/green. Protros still look cool but that OG color combo is on another level, at least in my eyes.

Yep. Same here. I do prefer the colors on the OG one. I just like that I have totally different colors on my pairs.

 

[GeauxGeaux]

Are these as snug as something like a DT96? I know it's a completely different shoe but curious if this is a good indicator for how snug they are.

 

[grittyman]

Empty gym today, so just wore them to shoot around for a little bit

Out the box these are pretty decent… cushion feels a little better than the 8’s, I guess it’s somewhat softer. Heel is a little on the clunky side but it’s not really that bad. Don’t really remember if the flyknit on the OG’s broke in much but fit in the toebox area is not what you expect from your typical Kobe…

The other day while playing someone landed on my right pinkie toe… and I have some weird flexing on the upper that’s pressing right on that exact spot. Not the shoes fault necessarily, just my bad luck. Don’t think it would bother me as much if my toe wasn’t sore. Anyhow, will be wearing these for the next few hoop sessions to see how they feel after really putting them to the test.

 

[illest35]

I'm glad the tongue isn't as big and wide as the OGs

 

[pauper8]

Empty gym today, so just wore them to shoot around for a little bit

Out the box these are pretty decent… cushion feels a little better than the 8’s, I guess it’s somewhat softer. Heel is a little on the clunky side but it’s not really that bad. Don’t really remember if the flyknit on the OG’s broke in much but fit in the toebox area is not what you expect from your typical Kobe…

The other day while playing someone landed on my right pinkie toe… and I have some weird flexing on the upper that’s pressing right on that exact spot. Not the shoes fault necessarily, just my bad luck. Don’t think it would bother me as much if my toe wasn’t sore. Anyhow, will be wearing these for the next few hoop sessions to see how they feel after really putting them to the test.

I can't wear it like this, the long laces bothers me. so, I lace them up up to the last lace hole

 

[sip24]

I ended up returning them yesterday. Hope i don't regret it but just didn't see myself wearing them. They were an impulse purchase when i struck out on the 5s.

 

[g-time]

I ended up returning them yesterday. Hope i don't regret it but just didn't see myself wearing them. They were an impulse purchase when i struck out on the 5s.

I’m actually thinking about doing the same as well.

 

[g-time]

Really wish they released a low as well

 

[jacktown83]

Really wish they released a low as well

This!!!

 

[grittyman]

I haven’t really played in them but the thought of returning them has crossed my mind as well.

Would feel differently about keeping them if I could get them under retail. $260 after taxes for some kicks I might not really wear often is a steep price to pay.

 

[vzy085]

Yep return my pair also, it's a sneaker I love but don't need to own

 

[the red model]

I hope i start seeing these on the wall lol

 

[grittyman]

Played in them again today… a little less clunky and toebox felt more flexible.

Still thinking about this darn $260 price tag man lol it’s insane

 

[Dr.BlasterCombo]

Played in them again today… a little less clunky and toebox felt more flexible.

Still thinking about this darn $260 price tag man lol it’s insane

I doubt it, I think resellers will just snatch them up and hold onto them because that’s what they do, but I hope

 

[grittyman]

I doubt it, I think resellers will just snatch them up and hold onto them because that’s what they do, but I hope

Doubt what?

 

[Dr.BlasterCombo]

performance wise, the GT cut and the Jordan 39 blow these out of the water. Both could be found for cheap. Unless you really want these for the novelty of them, I can’t justify the price.

 

[g-time]

The 39 certainly do not blow the 9 low Protro out the water. I have both and I’d pick the 9 low every time. Haven’t played in the GT cut yet.

 

[fdub]

Do you guys think a DS Kobe 9 elite “inspiration” wearable after 11 years? I see one on GOAT and considering getting them, but just need the input if it’s wearable

 

[detroitonfire]

Do you guys think a DS Kobe 9 elite “inspiration” wearable after 11 years? I see one on GOAT and considering getting them, but just need the input if it’s wearable

For hooping or just to wear around?

 

[Magic33]

Do you guys think a DS Kobe 9 elite “inspiration” wearable after 11 years? I see one on GOAT and considering getting them, but just need the input if it’s wearable

Yeah, I have them, mine are worn, but you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[grittyman]

The 39 certainly do not blow the 9 low Protro out the water. I have both and I’d pick the 9 low every time. Haven’t played in the GT cut yet.

I have the GT Cut 3, and they’re okay… def not my favorite shoe to play in. Zoom X is kinda nice initially but seems to lose its initial plushness after a few months and then feels kinda dead.

All non traditional Zoom Nike shoes are on a similar tier with me…

 

[fdub]

For hooping or just to wear around?

Walking around/casual use

 

[detroitonfire]

Walking around/casual use

You shouldn’t have a problem. Stitching holds up well, was more worried about the rubber for traction and glue for the outsole. But they shouldnt be a issue for casual