How does the Kobe 8 Protro differ from the original Kobe 8?

The Protro uses updated materials and a reworked drop-in midsole. Most reviewers find it firmer and more durable than the original, though some miss the softer original ride.

Is the Kobe 8 Protro good for outdoor courts?

It is built mainly for indoor play. The outsole and mesh upper wear faster on concrete and asphalt, so outdoor use shortens its life.

Does it fit true to size?

Most players go true to size in the Kobe 8 Protro. Narrow-footed players may want to try it on, since the low-cut upper offers little room to adjust.

Is it suitable for heavier or post-up players?

It is better suited to guards and wings. Bigger players usually want more cushioning and lateral support than this low-profile shoe provides.

What is the "Court Purple" colorway?

It is a white engineered mesh upper printed with Bryant's 8 and 24 jersey numbers in purple, with purple on the Swoosh, laces and lining.

Is the Kobe 8 Protro still available at retail?

Limited Kobe releases often sell out at retail and trade above it on resale. Availability depends on the colorway and size.

Where is the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Court Purple" cheapest?

At Walmart, for $350.75, as of our latest check.

Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Court Purple"

Best price now

$350.75at WalmartChecked Nov 13

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Court Purple"

Best price now

$350.75at WalmartChecked Nov 13

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $350.75 at Walmart on Nov 13.

Our take on the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Court Purple"

The Kobe 8 Protro is Nike's re-release of Kobe Bryant's eighth signature basketball shoe, built on a low-cut profile with an engineered mesh upper and a drop-in midsole for cushioning. This "Court Purple" version prints Bryant's 8 and 24 jersey numbers across the white mesh, with purple on the Swoosh, laces and lining. It suits guards and wings who want a light, close-to-the-floor shoe, and Kobe fans buying it as much for the story as the play. Against modern signature guards' shoes it gives up some cushioning and support, and the Protro's firmer ride is the main point of debate with the original.

Best forQuick guards and wings who play low to the groundKobe Bryant fans and Lakers collectorsIndoor players who want a light, breathable shoeWearers who prefer a low-cut hoops silhouette off court

Pros

Light, low-cut build that keeps the foot close to the floor
Engineered mesh upper breathes well and breaks in fast
Drop-in midsole gives a responsive, court-feel ride
Jersey-number print and purple accents tie it to Bryant's Lakers years
Protro tooling updates the original with modern materials

Cons

Firmer cushioning than plush modern signature shoes
Minimal lateral support for heavier or post-up players
Traction and durability are best kept to indoor courts
Low cut leaves the ankle exposed
Popular colorways sell out and resell above retail

Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Court Purple" prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Stadium GoodsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$350.75Free shippingChecked Nov 13
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What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers treat the Kobe 8 Protro as a fast, low-profile guard shoe with strong court feel and a clean look. The most common complaints are the firmer ride compared with the original Kobe 8 and thin cushioning for bigger players.

What people mention

CushioningMixedReviewers like the responsive court feel but some find the Protro midsole firmer and thinner than the original Kobe 8.
Court feelPraisedPlayers say the low stack height keeps them close to the floor for quick cuts.
WeightPraisedOwners describe the shoe as very light and barely noticeable on foot.
SupportCriticisedThe low cut and minimal structure leave the ankle and lateral side exposed, which heavier players notice.
DurabilityCriticisedReviewers say the outsole and mesh wear quickly on outdoor courts.
DesignPraisedBuyers like the jersey-number print and purple accents as a tribute to Bryant.

About the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Court Purple"

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Court Purple" is a colorway of Kobe Bryant's eighth signature shoe with Nike Basketball. Its design carries Bryant's former "8" and "24" jersey numbers from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The upper is white engineered mesh with the "8" and "24" jersey numbers in purple in an all-over pattern. Purple accents appear on the Swoosh, inner lining and laces. Bryant's signature branding sits on the tongue, and the outsole is under a white midsole.

Color: White/Court Purple
Size: 10
Upper: White engineered mesh with all-over purple "8" and "24" pattern
Midsole: White
Accents: Purple Swoosh, inner lining and laces

Specifications

shoe_size: 10Source
color: PurpleSource
actual_color: White/ Court PurpleSource

Questions and answers

How does the Kobe 8 Protro differ from the original Kobe 8?: The Protro uses updated materials and a reworked drop-in midsole. Most reviewers find it firmer and more durable than the original, though some miss the softer original ride.
Is the Kobe 8 Protro good for outdoor courts?: It is built mainly for indoor play. The outsole and mesh upper wear faster on concrete and asphalt, so outdoor use shortens its life.
Does it fit true to size?: Most players go true to size in the Kobe 8 Protro. Narrow-footed players may want to try it on, since the low-cut upper offers little room to adjust.
Is it suitable for heavier or post-up players?: It is better suited to guards and wings. Bigger players usually want more cushioning and lateral support than this low-profile shoe provides.
What is the "Court Purple" colorway?: It is a white engineered mesh upper printed with Bryant's 8 and 24 jersey numbers in purple, with purple on the Swoosh, laces and lining.
Is the Kobe 8 Protro still available at retail?: Limited Kobe releases often sell out at retail and trade above it on resale. Availability depends on the colorway and size.
Where is the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Court Purple" cheapest?: At Walmart, for $350.75, as of our latest check.