Nike Kobe 5 Protro vs Kobe 9 Low Protro
Buy the Kobe 9 Low Protro for all-around basketball and long days on your feet; its drop-in React foam and carbon-fibre plate give more cushioning and spring than the Kobe 5 Protro's Zoom Air setup. Buy the Kobe 5 Protro if you want a lighter, lower, more court-feel shoe with a snug lockdown upper. On price, the Kobe 9 Low Protro has been the cheaper of the two, at $135.99 at Boogor as of October 29 versus $144.71 for the Kobe 5 Protro as of November 2.
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Nike Kobe 5 Protro
Choose the Kobe 5 Protro if you want a low, close-to-the-floor guard shoe with firm Zoom Air cushioning and a locked-in fit.
Pros
- Snug lockdown from integrated Flywire cables
- Low, responsive forefoot Zoom Air for quick cuts
- Durable full rubber outsole with scaled-down traction
- X-ray bone graphic gives it display value off court
Cons
- Firm cushioning that needs break-in
- Heavier than most guard shoes at 2.15 lbs
- Little structure in the upper, so fit depends on lacing
- Costs about $9 more than the Kobe 9 at latest prices
What separates them
| Nike Kobe 5 Protro | Kobe 9 Low Protro | |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Forefoot Air Zoom unit over Cushlon midsole | Drop-in React foam midsole |
| Plate | None | Carbon-fibre plate in the outsole |
| Upper | Minimally structured leather and synthetic with Flywire cables | Engineered mesh with a strong heel counter |
| Court feel | Low to the ground, more direct feel | Softer and more cushioned underfoot |
| Weight | 2.15 lbs | Not listed; React drop-in and plate add bulk |
| Outsole | Full rubber with scaled-down traction pattern | Minimal rubber outsole with multidirectional tread |
| Reported comfort | Firm Zoom Air, needs break-in | Buyers call it comfortable and good for bad knees, but the insole is thin |
Price history
$300.00$135.99
- Nike Kobe 5 Protro: lowest $144.71 on Nov 2 at One Clothes.
- Kobe 9 Low Protro: lowest $135.99 on Oct 29 at Boogor; $179.99 on Oct 30.
Prices at every store
Nike Kobe 5 Protro
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- One ClothesCheck price at One Clothes
- StockXCheck price at StockX
Specs compared
| Spec | Nike Kobe 5 Protro | Kobe 9 Low Protro |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Leather | engineered mesh |
| Colorway | Hyper Royal | — |
| Cushioning | Air Zoom unit | — |
| Upper | minimally structured | — |
| Release Date | 08-23-2020 | — |
| Designer | Eric Avar | — |
| Technology | Air | — |
| Material | Synthetic | — |
| Closure Style | Lace-up | — |
| Occasion | Athletic | — |
| Pattern | X-ray graphic resembling the bones of the foot |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for playing basketball?
- The Kobe 9 Low Protro suits most players better because of its React foam and carbon-fibre plate, which add cushioning and spring. The Kobe 5 Protro is the pick for guards who want a lower, firmer, more direct feel.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Kobe 5 Protro should last longer on outdoor courts. It has a full rubber outsole, while the Kobe 9 Low Protro uses a minimal rubber outsole that wears faster on concrete.
- Is the Kobe 9 worth the extra?
- It is not extra: the Kobe 9 Low Protro was $135.99 at Boogor as of October 29, below the Kobe 5 Protro at $144.71 as of November 2. It is the cheaper and more cushioned option.
- Which is better for standing all day?
- The Kobe 9 Low Protro, but with a caveat. Buyers praise its cushioning and arch support, yet some say their feet feel it after about 8 hours and the insole is thin.
- Which has better arch support?
- The Kobe 9 Low Protro has more arch support, though buyers describe it as mediocre. The Kobe 5 Protro lists overpronation as a suitable condition but has a flatter, firmer ride.
- Which is lighter?
- The Kobe 9 Low Protro is likely lighter on foot despite its plate, since the Kobe 5 Protro is listed at 2.15 lbs. The Kobe 9's weight is not published.