Verdict from 47 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- The majority of commenters simply love these Nike basketball shoes. One even wears the Kobe 9 Elite Low almost every day.
- Most testers are impressed at how well the pressure-mapped traction pattern sticks to the floor. According to them, there is almost no slippage during play.
- The combination of Flyknit and Flywire is just perfect, most reviewers declare. They claim that these basketball shoes are engineered for strength and mobility.
- According to most, the carbon fiber heel counter does an excellent job of keeping the foot secure when performing lateral movements.
- A significant number of testers assert that the Lunarlon midsole is exceedingly comfortable and responsive.
- Most are pleased that the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low can be rocked off-court.
3 reasons not to buy
- One reviewer is unimpressed with the Kobe 9 Elite Low, saying that the 8s are better.
- A player is disappointed that the traction at the heel area is already falling apart.
- There is some empty space in the midfoot area, a tester gripes.
Bottom line
Aside from the Flyknit upper and the low-top cut, there isn’t much of a difference between the Kobe 9 Elite, Kobe 9 Elite Low, and Kobe 9 Low. The Flyknit upper used on the Kobe 9 Elite is also the same as the Kobe 9 Elite Low. It delivers the right combination of flexibility and durability. The Elite Low’s only advantage is that it can be rocked casually. All in all, these Nike basketball shoes are great to wear on and off the hardwood.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Good to know
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 provide a dynamic fit.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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 qualityin music.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM Collection
The HTM collection features four neutral pallettes 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.
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