The boxing boot that changed basketball is back. When the original Kobe 9 first leaked in 2013, people thought it was a joke. It looked like something a heavyweight would wear to the ring, not a shooting guard. But once Kobe Bryant stepped onto the court in them, the narrative shifted instantly. Now, we have the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro, and the conversation has shifted again. Is it actually better, or just a more expensive trip down memory lane?
Honestly, the "Protro" (Performance Retro) tag can be hit or miss. Sometimes Nike just swaps a foam and calls it a day. With this high-top monster, they had a lot of pressure to get it right because the original is still considered one of the greatest traction performers in history.
The React Swap: Is It Actually Better?
The biggest change in the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro is under the hood. Or rather, under your foot. The original 2014 pair used a Lunarlon drop-in midsole. It was soft, plush, and felt like stepping on a cloud—until it bottomed out after three months of hard play.
Nike replaced that with a full-length React foam drop-in.
It feels different. If you’re expecting that immediate "sink-in" mushiness of the old Lunarlon, you won’t find it here. React is denser. It’s built for longevity. You get more "pop" and a much better court feel, which is basically what most elite guards want anyway. But here’s the kicker: some players complain it’s a bit stiffer out of the box.
You’ve gotta break these in. Seriously. Give them two or three good runs before you decide if you hate the cushion.
That High-Top Collar is a Lie
Let’s talk about the giant elephant in the room—that massive ankle collar.
Most people see the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro and think, "Finally, a shoe that will save my ankles."
It won’t.
That collar is made of Flyknit. It’s essentially a very expensive, very techy sock. Eric Avar, the lead designer, famously designed this after Kobe’s Achilles surgery to provide proprioception, not physical bracing. It tells your brain where your leg is in space. It doesn't actually stop your ankle from rolling like a stiff leather boot would.
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If you need a rigid brace, you're still going to need to wear one under the shoe. The good news? The Flyknit is stretchy enough that you actually can fit a Zamst or McDavid brace inside without it feeling like your foot is in a vice.
Factual Specs and Release Reality
If you're hunting for a pair, you need to know what's actually hitting the shelves. We’ve seen a few heavy hitters lately:
- The Halo (August 2024): The all-white "triple white" look that kicked things off for Kobe’s birthday. It’s beautiful, but keeping that Flyknit clean is a nightmare.
- The Christmas (December 2024): A Bright Crimson masterpiece that retailed for $240. It’s a direct callback to the pair Kobe wore against the Bulls.
- The What The (May 2025): This is the one everyone is eyeing. It’s a mashup of "Influence," "Masterpiece," and "Perspective" colorways.
The price point is a sticking point for a lot of people. At $240 to $300 retail, these are some of the most expensive hoop shoes Nike has ever put out. Is the carbon fiber worth it? The Kobe 9 uses genuine carbon fiber on the heel and midfoot. Most modern shoes use plastic painted to look like carbon. This stuff is the real deal, providing incredible lateral stability when you’re cutting hard.
Traction: Still the Gold Standard?
The outsole of the Kobe 9 Elite High Protro still uses that pressure-map pattern. It looks like a fingerprint.
On a clean court? It’s arguably the loudest, grippiest squeak you will ever hear. It stops on a dime.
On a dusty court? You might have some issues. Because the grooves are so thin and tightly packed, they act like a magnet for dust. You’ll find yourself wiping your soles every two plays. Nike did try to "Protro" the traction by slightly tweaking the rubber compound for better exterior grip, but it hasn't completely solved the dust-collection problem.
Sizing is Tricky
Don't just buy your usual Nike size without thinking.
The Kobe 9 Elite High Protro runs narrow. Very narrow. If you have a wide foot, you’re going to feel the carbon fiber shank digging into your arch.
- Narrow/Normal feet: Go true to size (TTS). You want that one-to-one fit for the Flyknit to work.
- Wide feet: Go up half a size. Trust me.
- Ankle brace wearers: Definitely go up half a size, or the "drop-in" midsole will feel like it’s being squeezed out of the shoe.
Why This Shoe Still Matters in 2026
We are over a decade removed from the original launch, yet players like Sabrina Ionescu and Devin Booker still treat the Kobe 9 like holy scripture.
It’s because it was a "risk" shoe. Nike hasn't really taken a risk like this since. A high-top that’s actually a low-top? Flyknit on a basketball shoe for the first time? Carbon fiber wings?
The Protro version keeps that DNA alive while fixing the one major flaw of the original: the durability of the cushion. The React foam means these won't be dead shoes by next season. You can actually hoop in them daily.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
- Check the Midsole: When you get your pair, pull out the drop-in React foam. Ensure it’s seated correctly. Sometimes they can shift during shipping, causing a weird "clicking" sound when you walk.
- The Sock Choice: Wear thin, high-performance socks. Anything too thick will make the Flyknit feel suffocating and will likely cause hot spots on your pinky toe.
- Traction Prep: Before your first game, take a damp cloth to the soles. There is often a factory film on the rubber that makes them feel slick for the first 20 minutes.
- Resale Warning: If you’re buying from secondary markets like StockX or GOAT, be wary of prices under retail. This is a highly faked silhouette. Check the carbon fiber—real carbon fiber has a 3D texture you can feel with your fingernail; fakes are usually smooth.
The Kobe 9 Elite High Protro isn't just a shoe for collectors. It’s a precision tool for the court. If you can stomach the price tag and the break-in period, there isn't much else on the market that offers this level of lockdown and floor feel. It’s a fitting tribute to the Mamba’s obsession with "improving perfection."