Verdict from 5 experts and 8 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Amazing traction: Basketball athletes notice that the outsole has a strong grip; it's up there with the Kobe 9 and UA Curry 8 when it comes to traction.
- Balanced cushioning: The upgraded midsole of the Kobe 6 Protro delivers a nice blend of responsiveness, court feel, and impact protection.
- Support: The heel counter, outrigger, and scale-like overlays work together to provide a really secure lockdown.
- Flexible materials: The upper is made of materials that mold to the shape of the wearer's foot.
- Comfortable tongue: The well-padded tongue relieves lace pressure, allowing for more effective adjustments.
- True to size: Basketball enthusiasts recommend going true to size with the Nike Kobe 6 Protro.
3 reasons not to buy
- Break-in needed: Several features including the traction need some time to unleash what they're truly capable of.
- Dust pickup: The outsole is so sticky that dust clings to it like glue; there is a need to wipe when playing on dirty courts.
- Not for outdoor use: Several basketball players do NOT recommend this shoe for use on outdoor courts to prolong the shoe's shelf life.
Bottom line
Nike is right in bringing back the Nike Kobe 6 in its Protro version because the anticipation and eventual reception are crazy! Boy, the shoe surely did not disappoint, especially performance-wise! Kobe fans and serious basketball players are just so happy to get their hands (and feet) on the Kobe 6 again.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Nike Kobe 6 Protro: Back with a bang!
More or less a decade ago, Kobe Bryant battled the likes of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in a Christmas game while wearing the 'Grinch' colorway of the OG Kobe 6. The Protro version of that shoe is here, and it surely will not disappoint aesthetically and performance-wise.
Comfortably snug fit. The Micromesh upper with scale-like overlays comfortably hugs the foot, providing enough support for aggressive on-court moves.
Enhanced cushioning. The cushioning system is the most upgraded part of this Protro; the full-length Cushlon provides plushness while the Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot ensures on-court responsiveness.
The same amazing traction. The outsole material and pattern used on the Protro are almost the same as the original; the performance is of course at par with the greatness that was the OG Kobe 6.
Special colorways of the Kobe 6 Protro from Nike
Aside from the iconic green and volt 'Grinch' iteration, the Protro version of the Kobe 6 is also available in other memorable colorways such as the following:
Mambacita/Mamba Forever. Kobe's wife Vanessa designed a black-and-white version of the Kobe 6 as a tribute to their daughter Gigi who died together with her dad in January 2020.
Orange County. In the NBA 2010-2011 season, the All-Star Game was held in LA, California. The Kobe 6 was released in a handful of California-inspired colorways, and 'Orange County' was one of them. Ten years later in 2021, the sunset-inspired version makes a re-appearance on the Kobe 6 Protro.
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