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Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro vs Nike Kobe 6 Protro

Both are low-top Kobe Protros with a carbon fiber plate and a drop-in midsole, so the real split is cushioning feel and fit. The Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro gives you a taller, more locked-in Flyknit and Flywire upper with React foam that stays firm and stable; the Kobe 6 Protro is lighter and lower to the ground with a Zoom Air forefoot and softer Cushlon. Buy the 9 for a stable, supportive court shoe and the 6 for a quicker, more minimal ride. Owners of both praise the traction and the plate-driven court feel; the common knock on the 9 is its bulk and break-in, and on the 6 the thin cushioning under the heel.

  • Choose the Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro if you want a stable, supportive low-top with a locked-in Flyknit and Flywire upper and a firm React ride.
  • Choose the Kobe 6 Protro if you want a lighter, lower-to-the-ground shoe with Zoom Air in the forefoot and a quicker, more minimal feel.

Prices

  • Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro: $105.97 at Nike (checked today)
  • Nike Kobe 6 Protro: $159.00 at GOAT (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro is $53.03 cheaper than the Nike Kobe 6 Protro at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
Nike
Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro Men's Basketball Shoes

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro Men's Basketball Shoes

$105.97at NikeChecked 7 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Nike

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Locked-in Flyknit and Flywire midfoot
  • Carbon fiber plate and heel counter for stability
  • React foam holds up over a long season
  • Traction works indoors and outdoors
Cons
  • Heavier than the Kobe 6
  • Needs break-in time
  • Firmer ride that some find harsh
  • No dedicated Zoom unit
Nike
Kobe 6

Nike Kobe 6 Protro

Kobe 6

5(1 rating)
$159.00at GOATChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit GOAT
Pros
  • Light and low to the ground
  • Zoom Air forefoot is responsive
  • Comfortable with little break-in
  • Wide size run
Cons
  • Thin cushioning under the heel
  • Less structured heel support
  • Softer Cushlon packs down faster
  • Outdoor durability is limited

What separates them

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low ProtroNike Kobe 6 Protro
Midsole foamDrop-in React foam, firmer and more stableCushlon foam, softer and lighter
Forefoot cushioningReact only, no separate Zoom unitAir Zoom unit in the forefoot
UpperFlyknit with Flywire cables for midfoot lockdownMesh and synthetic with a snakeskin-inspired texture
Weight and court feelHeavier, sits a bit higherLighter and lower to the ground
SupportCarbon fiber heel counter plus carbon fiber plateCarbon fiber plate, less structured heel
TractionTreated rubber outsole, works on and off courtRubber outsole tuned for indoor courts
Break-inTakes a few sessions to soften the Flyknit and ReactComfortable almost out of the box
Sizing availabilityStandard men's runWide size run including half sizes

Price history

$334.62$104.49
Nov 8Nov 10
  • Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro: lowest $104.49 on Nov 8 at Dick's Sporting Goods; $104.49 on Nov 10.
  • Nike Kobe 6 Protro: lowest $159.00 on Nov 8 at GOAT; $284.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro

  • NikeNew

    In stock

    $105.97+ $8.00 shippingChecked 7 h ago
    Visit Nike
  • Dick's Sporting GoodsNew

    In stock

    $104.49+ $9.99 shippingChecked 7 h ago
    Visit Dick's Sporting Goods
  • StockXNew

    In stock

    $121.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked 7 h ago
    Visit StockX
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $105.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • EquvalenceCheck price at Equvalence
  • VELAYNACheck price at VELAYNA

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 17 stores and price history →

Nike Kobe 6 Protro

  • GOATNew

    In stock

    $159.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit GOAT
  • Flight ClubNew

    In stock

    $176.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Flight Club
  • farfetch.comNew

    In stock

    $187.00+ $10.00 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit farfetch.com
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $195.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 10 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNike Kobe 9 Elite Low ProtroNike Kobe 6 Protro
Midsole FoamReact foamCushlon foam
ColorwayNeo Turquoise and Volt—
Outsole Platecarbon fiber plate—
Upperbreathable upper—
Country of OriginChina—
Style—IH1871-800
Colour Shown—Total Orange/Cosmic Clay/Metallic Silver
Forefoot Cushioning—Air Zoom unit
Size (US)—13, 14, 11, 12, 15, 6.5, 5.5, 9.5, 10.5, 8.5, 8…
Gore-Tex—No
Series—Nike Kobe Bryant
Fastening—Laced
Show all 19 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNike Kobe 9 Elite Low ProtroNike Kobe 6 Protro
Manufacturer Color—Bright Crimson/Black/Electric Green
Color—Red
Outsole—Rubber
Age Group—Adult
Gender—Male
Upper Material—Mesh, Synthetic
Year Released—2010

What reviewers say

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro

Owners and reviewers treat the Protro as a faithful, more playable update of the Kobe 9 Low. They praise the lighter React setup and stable base, while some find the ride firm and the upper thin for heavier players.

What people mention
  • CushioningMixedReviewers like the lighter React foam but some call the ride firm and low to the ground.
  • StabilityPraisedThe carbon fiber plate and heel counter are cited for a secure, torsionally stiff base.
  • FitMixedThe low-cut Flyknit upper fits snugly and moves well, but offers little padding for wide feet.
  • TractionMixedGrip is solid on clean indoor courts but wears faster on rough outdoor surfaces.

Nike Kobe 6 Protro

Owners and reviewers rate the Kobe 6 Protro among the best guard shoes available, citing its traction, court feel and low weight. Common complaints are a tight fit and modest heel cushioning.

What people mention
  • TractionPraisedReviewers say the outsole grips clean indoor courts well and squeaks on stops.
  • FitCriticisedMany owners find the shoe runs narrow and snug, especially across the forefoot.
  • CushioningMixedThe forefoot Zoom unit feels responsive, but heel cushioning is called thin by heavier players.
  • Court feelPraisedPlayers like the low, close-to-floor ride for quick cuts and direction changes.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a guard who cuts and stops hard?
The Kobe 6 Protro. Its lower stack and Zoom Air forefoot make it quicker and more responsive on hard cuts. The 9 is more stable but heavier.
Which lasts longer?
The Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro. React foam and the Flyknit upper hold their shape longer, while the 6's softer Cushlon and thinner outsole wear faster, especially outdoors.
Is the Kobe 9 worth stepping up to over the 6?
If you want more support and a locked-in upper, yes. If you want the lightest, lowest ride, the 6 is the better fit.
Which has better traction?
Both grip well on clean indoor courts. The 9's treated outsole holds up better on outdoor surfaces.
Do they fit the same?
Both run true to size for most players. The 9's Flyknit hugs the foot more, so wide-footed players may prefer the 6.
Which is better for outdoor play?
The Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro. Its treated outsole and denser React foam handle abrasive courts better than the 6's softer setup.

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