Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low review

Who should buy the Kobe 9 Elite Low

The Kobe 9 Elite Low is a solid option if:

• A basketball shoe that you can rock casually is what you are after.
• You are looking for sneakers for playing hoops that bite the floor well and prevent court slippage. 
• Footgear snug enough to perform lateral movements during game time is what you need.

Profile of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low

A product of design innovation, Kobe Bryant’s ninth signature basketball shoe with Nike features three of the brand’s leading technologies: Lunarlon, Flywire, and Flyknit.

Flyknit offers a lightweight and breathable solution perfect for summer hoops while the combination of Flyknit and Flywire provides a dynamic fit.

Performance

Cushion. The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low is equipped with the same cushioning setup as its high-top counterpart. A drop-in Lunarlon midsole offers responsive cushioning and helps you push your game to the next level.

Traction. These Kobe Bryant basketball shoes have a rubber outsole with a pressure-mapped traction pattern that delivers superior multidirectional grip on any surface.

Fit

Length and Width. Though a bit snug, these Nike basketball shoes fit true to size like the Nike PG 3 and 16th LeBron. Shoppers can go with their real size when purchasing.

Lockdown. The Flyknit and Flywire technologies offer a one-two punch. The Flyknit upper is backed by Flywire, providing a dynamic fit that supports complex on-court footwork. Carbon fiber reinforcements deliver added support.

Material

The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low boasts a full Flyknit upper. According to designer Eric Avar, “Nike Flyknit acts as a super skin, giving athletes articulated strength similar to the engineering of a spider web – tension and strength just where they’re needed.”  

Style

The design of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite stems from the idea of ‘simplifying without compromise.’ These Kobe basketball shoes are cut low to eliminate bulk and distractions.

Signature details include Bryant’s logo on the tongue and nine stitches on the heel as a nod to his Achilles sutures.

Special Colorways of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low

Nike launched only a few colorways of the Kobe 9 Elite Low; however, these basketball shoes were made available for customization via NikeiD.

• University Red/Black

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low ‘Beethoven’

This colorway pays tribute to German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven and his famed Ninth Symphony. The predominantly grey upper represents the German composer’s timeless quality in music.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM Collection

The HTM collection features four neutral palettes complemented by reflective flecked laces, embossed snake scales, anodized HTM aglets, and a reflective Swoosh. The collection was only made available at Nike Stadium Milano and Excelsior in Milan.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low iD ‘Mamba Moment’

After passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, Nike launched a special colorway of the Kobe 9 Elite Low to honor Bryant’s accomplishment. The ‘Mamba Moment’ features a combination of purple, green, and black throughout its Flyknit upper.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low ‘Michael Jackson’ a.k.a. ‘Hyper Grape’

According to Nike, this colorway “is linked to music and its ability to transcend the decades, with artists, songs and dance moves that stand the test of time.” These Kobe shoes feature a purple upper and moon-surface graphic on the outsole.