- Aug 3, 2013
- 2,212
- 3,586
Beethoven’s is the first pair in a long time for me that I would consider a “must get”. Hopefully I can walk away with a W on those, they’re clean af.
Nike Kobe IX Protro
- Thread in 'Nike Retro' Thread starter Started by therealest1,
- Start date
- Feb 3, 2012
- 7,278
- 15,041
It’s just a superficial layer of flyknit glued over a layer of fuse. They didn’t come up with a strong enough functional knit upper until the 11.
- May 10, 2013
- 22,763
- 29,485
Think it functioned just fine. These were my go to hoop shoes and my OGs are still solid just yellowed. The Protro just took that fly knit and thinned it out.
rainking
Supporter
- Aug 12, 2016
- 8,307
- 18,137
I get your point but I don't want Nike to "protro" the uppers on this model. The later flyknit wouldn't look quite the same, I don't think. Of all the flyknit Kobes, I always thought the IX LOOKED the best in terms of the upper material.
- Jun 22, 2005
- 3,159
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Dang, my eyes lit up when I read the SneakerNews post, but will be disappointing if it's not retro-ing/protro-ing.
- Aug 10, 2012
- 20,424
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- Aug 10, 2012
- 20,424
- 36,768
- Aug 15, 2017
- 82
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- May 10, 2013
- 22,763
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I don't remember those being that sought after when they originally released.
- Apr 1, 2012
- 3,343
- 2,041
No Kobe was really sought after until after his death. Minus a select few that were rare or limited, most set on the shelves
- Mar 31, 2013
- 1,068
- 1,752
To clear this up. During their initial run this was true. Then he retired and there was a drought on Kobe’s. Initial Kobe 1s protros flew with the exception of a few pairs. 4s, 5s and 6 protros never sat and were never going to because of their status. 8s and 9s were on track to a similar path but Nike insists on giving us colors no one asked for.
- May 10, 2013
- 22,763
- 29,485
During the initial release of the 9s, they actually sold well. This Xmas pair was the only one I saw hit pretty good discount with a pretty good size run.
I was really into a lot of the later models. Would love to see:
FTB 11s
BHM 11s
ASG 10s
Masterpiece 9s (I think someone ITT confirmed them for next year). Will take a low version of them as well.
Sulfur 8s
Xmas lights 8s
Purple Fade 8s
Protro 7s (fix the stiff material, keep the swappable insole system). ASG, Cheetah
FTB 11s
BHM 11s
ASG 10s
Masterpiece 9s (I think someone ITT confirmed them for next year). Will take a low version of them as well.
Sulfur 8s
Xmas lights 8s
Purple Fade 8s
Protro 7s (fix the stiff material, keep the swappable insole system). ASG, Cheetah
- Apr 15, 2019
- 483
- 767
At the time I remember people believing rumors that the 9 would be the last Kobe because of his Achilles injury. Pair that with the flyknit hype and the 9 Elites sold pretty quickly. The EM lows were readily in stock, and the last few Elites like the Xmas, brave blues, sequoia, and the green/gold didn't sell that fast.
- Jan 19, 2007
- 20,439
- 18,653
They sold really well. This XMas colorway sold out quick back in 2014.
OG 9 Elite Hi and Low sold very well. Mind you he only played 13 games that 2013-2014 season.
The EM Low were good. Didn’t sold as great. I had the blk/infrared colorway and I had that laker colorway with the turquoise hits and I ran those in the ground that summer 2014.
Last edited:
- Jan 19, 2007
- 20,439
- 18,653
I think I'm in for a pair of those Xmas 9 Elite. I remember going a full size down with the OG 9 elite. been staying away from Kobe retros because of the nonsense and crap colorways but these I can do.
- Jan 19, 2007
- 20,439
- 18,653
- Jan 19, 2007
- 20,439
- 18,653
“Designed to the specifications of Bryant’s fluid style of play, the KOBE 9 is the first basketball shoe to feature Nike Flyknit technology. The KOBE 9 gets a festive makeover highlighting its knitted aesthetic with a red and white Flyknit upper, taking inspiration from a knit stocking. Supple leather textures on the tongue and overlays give the shoe a premium feel, accented by a marbled outsole resembling candy canes. Inside, the shoe reads “Mamba’s Greetings,” a hidden detail from Bryant on the inner tongue.”
- May 10, 2013
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They were pretty available here in Houston and I remember seeing my size hitting disco on a few sites too back then.
- Jan 19, 2007
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- 18,653
NYC devoured them. Especially the Gumbo League/ASW colorway.
The EM and the red flyknit low Elite did some sitting.
The EM and the red flyknit low Elite did some sitting.
- Aug 30, 2012
- 18,776
- 9,262
They definitely took some liberties to create Christmas themes that year lol. They were on a solid run up until that point too. The LeBron XII were such a weird shoe aesthetically. Dope colorways but just an odd looking shoe.
- May 10, 2013
- 22,763
- 29,485
Lebron 12 took a step back comfort wise too that year.
- Jan 19, 2007
- 20,439
- 18,653
The hex pod zm setup was a let down. The rollout though was awesome especially after the epic fail of the 11. Lebron even wore a toupee for the occasion.
- May 10, 2013
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I don’t even know if you could say the 11 failed. Maybe in terms of him wearing them on court, but it had great colorways and I saw them all over here.
- Feb 2, 2019
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Managed to snag the Halo 9s under retail, and have been hooping in them the past few weeks.
Does anybody else feel the Nike swoosh dig into the inner part of the foot occasionally? It’s been better as I break them in but still sometimes happens. And only on my left foot for some reason. Wearing Nike Elite socks, size 13. Otherwise love em
Does anybody else feel the Nike swoosh dig into the inner part of the foot occasionally? It’s been better as I break them in but still sometimes happens. And only on my left foot for some reason. Wearing Nike Elite socks, size 13. Otherwise love em
