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Nike Kobe III Protro vs Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro

The Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro is the more advanced shoe: a drop-in React midsole, carbon fiber plate and Flyknit upper with Flywire give it better court feel and stability than the Kobe III Protro. The Kobe III Protro is lighter and simpler, with Air Zoom Strobel and Cushlon 3.0 underfoot, and suits players who want a low, quick, minimal setup. Owners of both praise the 9's lockdown and cushioning; the III is often called stiffer and less forgiving out of the box.

  • Choose the Kobe III Protro if you want a lighter, lower-profile shoe with Zoom cushioning and a snug, minimal fit for quick guards.
  • Choose the Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro if you want the more cushioned, more stable Kobe with a carbon plate and Flyknit lockdown for all-around play.

Prices

  • Nike Kobe III Protro: $120.00 at eBay (checked today)
  • Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro: $105.97 at Nike (checked today)
  • Difference: the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro is $14.03 cheaper than the Nike Kobe III Protro today
Nike
Nike Kobe III Protro "Halo" Men's Shoes

Nike Kobe III Protro

Nike Kobe III Protro "Halo" Men's Shoes

5(3 ratings)
$120.00at eBayChecked 5 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

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Pros
  • Light on foot
  • Responsive Zoom cushioning
  • Snug, low-cut fit for quick cuts
  • Simple, durable build
Cons
  • Firmer and stiffer at first
  • Less cushioning under the heel
  • No carbon plate for propulsion
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 10 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Nike

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

Pros
  • React foam is soft and springy
  • Carbon plate adds push-off and stability
  • Flyknit and Flywire lock the midfoot
  • Carbon heel counter steadies the foot
Cons
  • Heavier than the III
  • Drop-in midsole can feel tall
  • Flyknit needs careful care

What separates them

Nike Kobe III ProtroNike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro
CushioningAir Zoom Strobel with Cushlon 3.0 foamDrop-in React foam midsole
Stability plateCarbon fiber in the outsoleFull carbon fiber plate plus carbon heel counter
UpperMixed textile, mesh, synthetic and leather with TPUFlyknit with Flywire midfoot cables
WeightAbout 475g in a UK 8Heavier due to drop-in midsole and plate
FitSnug, low-cut collarLow-top with Flywire lockdown
Court feelLower, firmer rideSofter React ride with more spring from the plate
Break-inStiffer out of the boxMore comfortable immediately
OriginMade in VietnamMade in China

Price history

$144.90$104.49
Nov 8Nov 10
  • Nike Kobe III Protro: lowest $144.90 on Nov 9 at Amazon; $144.90 on Nov 10.
  • Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro: lowest $104.49 on Nov 8 at Dick's Sporting Goods; $104.49 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Nike Kobe III Protro

  • EditorialistNew

    In stock

    $153.00+ $10.00 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Editorialist
  • KICKS CREWNew

    In stock

    $181.35+ $35.00 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit KICKS CREW
  • 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.

    $120.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $144.90Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon

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

All 11 stores and price history →

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro

  • NikeNew

    In stock

    $105.97+ $8.00 shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Nike
  • Dick's Sporting GoodsNew

    In stock

    $104.49+ $9.99 shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Dick's Sporting Goods
  • StockXNew

    In stock

    $121.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked 10 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 →

Specs compared

SpecNike Kobe III ProtroNike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro
Shoe WeightApprox. 475g (Men's UK 8)—
Heel-to-Toe DropApprox. 8mm—
FitSnug—
CollarLow-cut collar—
CushioningAir Zoom Strobel—
FoamCushlon 3.0 foam—
TractionMulti-Directional—
StyleIV7127-600—
Colour ShownAtomic Pink/Bright Crimson—
Country/Region of OriginVietnam—
Size (US)10.5, 11.5—
SeriesNike Kobe Bryant, Nike Zoom—
Show all 26 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNike Kobe III ProtroNike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro
FasteningLaced—
ColorBlack, White—
OutsoleRubber, Carbon Fiber—
Age GroupAdult—
GenderMale—
Upper MaterialTextile, Mesh, Synthetic, Leather, TPU, Fabric—
MidsoleFoam, Cloudfoam, React—
InsoleTextile—
Shoe Size10.5—
Colorway—Neo Turquoise and Volt

What reviewers say

Nike Kobe III Protro

Reviewers treat the Kobe III Protro as a faithful, performance-focused update of the original. They praise the low ride, the Zoom Strobel cushioning and the locked-in fit, while noting the narrow cut and modest heel comfort.

What people mention
  • FitMixedReviewers say the shoe runs snug and narrow, so wide-footed players often go up a half size.
  • CushioningPraisedThe Air Zoom Strobel is called responsive and springy under the forefoot.
  • Court feelPraisedOwners like the low, connected ride that keeps them close to the floor.
  • TractionPraisedThe multi-directional pattern grips well on clean indoor courts.

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.

Questions and answers

Which is better for guards who cut a lot?
The Kobe III Protro. It is lighter and sits lower, so direction changes feel quicker. The 9 offers more cushioning but adds bulk.
Which lasts longer?
The Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro generally holds up better. Its carbon plate and heel counter resist wear, while the III's foam and outsole break down sooner with heavy outdoor use.
Is the 9 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want more cushioning and stability. The React midsole and carbon plate make it the more complete shoe for all-around play. The III is the pick if you prefer a lighter, firmer ride.
Which has better traction?
Both use multi-directional rubber patterns. The 9's treated outsole grips well indoors and outdoors; the III is solid indoors but wears faster on concrete.
Do they fit true to size?
The Kobe III Protro runs snug, so wide-footed players may want a half size up. The Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro fits closer to true to size with its Flyknit upper.

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More comparisons

  • Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro Men's Basketball Shoes vs Kobe 6
  • Nike Kobe 8 Protro 'Halo Triple White' vs Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro Men's Basketball Shoes
  • Nike Kobe III Protro "Halo" Men's Shoes vs Kobe 6
  • Nike Kobe 8 Protro 'Halo Triple White' vs Nike Kobe III Protro "Halo" Men's Shoes

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Kobe Bryant signature basketball shoes
Midsole Foam—React foam
Outsole Plate—carbon fiber plate
Upper—breathable upper
Country of Origin—China