Nike Kobe 9 Elite review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
Verdict from 8 experts & 100+ users
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good for casual wear
- Supportive
- Durable
- Eye-catching
- Supports shifty moevemts
- Good grip
Cons
- Runs tight
- On the pricey range














85% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Top 9% in basketball shoes
- Top 9% in Nike basketball shoes
Comparison to similar basketball shoes
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Who should buy the Nike Kobe 9 Elite
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite is an aesthetically appealing shoe that performs beastly on the court. It has Flyknit and Flywire in the upper. With these technologies, you'd surely want to have a pair. This is also a perfect option for you if:
- You're looking for a Kobe signature shoe that is top-notch on comfort and support.
- You're a big Kobe Bryant fan, and you'd definitely want to wear this on the streets.
Nike's solid midsole setup for Kobe 9 Elite
The responsiveness and impact protection that the Nike Kobe 9 Elite delivers come from the Lunarlon cushion in its midsole.
This material is purposely made lightweight so as not to interfere with the wearer’s quick movements, which are sufficiently supported by the the shoe’s traction.
Outstanding outsole structure
Although made of rubber that is thinner than what is usually used on Nike basketball shoes, the outsole of the Kobe 9 Elite surely does not fall short in providing game-enhancing traction. In fact, using thinner rubber might have worked to the Kobe 9 Elite’s advantage because this setup affords the wearer flexibility, which is especially useful when the wearer is fond of doing cuts and quick sprints.
The outsole features a unique traction pattern that looks like a fingerprint. This pattern maps out important pressure points and provides effective multidirectional tread.
Powerful lockdown of Kobe 9 Elite
The one-to-one fit of this shoe is further enhanced by its use of Nike’s Flyknit. This material is known to conform to the shape of the foot, leaving no space for possible internal slippage.
The power of the traditional lacing system of the Nike Kobe 9 is effectively complemented by another proprietary technology called Flywire. Inspired by the design of suspension bridges, this technology allows the shoe to grasp the shoe better when the laces are tightened. Finally, an extended knit collar gives this shoe its high-top silhouette and support capacities.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite's strong, yet comfy construction
Comfort is really one of the top considerations for the design of this shoe. Aside from ensuring a one-to-one fit, the Flyknit material also provides high levels of next-to-skin comfort. The tongue is made of sandwich mesh, further ensuring a comfortable experience. There is also plush foam around the heel and ankle.
Unique, beautiful, and functional style of Nike Kobe 9 Elite
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite’s focus on performance surely did not mean an abandonment of style. On the contrary, designers made it a point to integrate beauty with utility.
Giving the shoe its unique aesthetic appeal is the colored threads that are integrated with the structure of the Flyknit. This clever integration results in a multi-color appearance will be a feast for the eyes. To match this, the midsole also features specks of color.
Brand and signature Kobe Bryant elements are also on the shoe. Kobe Bryant’s signature and Sheath logo is prominently emblazoned on the tongue. The iconic symbol of the nine stitches that he got after an injury is prominently at the back of the extended knit collar. Finally, a stylized Swoosh is prominently on display at the lateral side of the shoe.