Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro

Flyknit Flagship Drops Low

More than a decade after the 2014 original, Nike brought its first Kobe 9 to the Protro line in 2025, converting the iconic high-top into a low-cut built for the modern game. The early-generation Flyknit upper, breathable if dated next to current knits, carried over, paired with Flywire cables for midfoot lockdown. The headline change sat underfoot: the original's Lunarlon was swapped for a drop-in React foam midsole, delivering a softer, lighter, bouncier ride, while an extended carbon fiber heel counter added lateral stability. The rubber outsole, patterned from a pressure map of Bryant's own foot, drew praise as some of the best traction available on clean hardwood, with the usual caveat that dust kills the grip fast. Standout releases included the 'Masterpiece,' 'Moon Walker,' and the returning 'Perspective' Picasso-inspired colorway. Reviewers welcomed the upgraded cushioning and more neutral fit, ranking it a strong, agile low-top.