Nike Kobe Protro 8
Released 6/2024, Low Top, Kobe Bryant,
Add to Favourites
Performance Ratings
8.4
EXPERT RATING
6 reviews
8.9
USER RATING
12 ratings
Performance Summary
The Kobe 8 Protro is a solid performer featuring impressive traction.
Pros
Outstanding traction performance
Impressive lockdown
Cons
Not a lot of impact protection
Narrow fit causes some pinching
Best Suitable For: The shoe is best for quicker guards looking for an excellent court feel.
Category Performance Ratings
9.3
Traction
Sticky rubber outsole with a multidirectional pattern. Excellent grip on clean courts, warms up quickly, slightly dust sensitive, mixed outdoor hold.
7.7
Cushion
React drop-in low profile setup. Very responsive with great court feel but limited impact protection for bigger players.
7.9
Materials
Thin synthetic and mesh upper. Lightweight and breathable, breaks in well, but lacks premium durability and finish.
8.5
Support
External heel counter with torsional shank plate. Strong lockdown and lateral stability, though absent midsole rails can allow rollover.
8.3
Fit
Runs narrow with a snug forefoot and good heel lockdown. Breaks in some; narrow and medium go TTS, wide should size up half.
20%
Outdoor
Firm rubber gives some durability but opinions vary. Some say it holds up outdoors while others recommend indoor use only.
small
large
Sizing
True to size for narrow and medium feet. Wide feet should consider going up half a size to avoid pinch.
narrow
wide
Width
Very narrow shape best suited to narrow to medium feet. Wide footers may feel constricted in the forefoot.
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
 Nike Kobe Protro 8 |  Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 13 Encore |  New Balance TWO WXY V3 |  Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 |  Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 |  Nike LeBron NXXT Gen | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.4 | 8.9(0.5) | 8.7(0.3) | 8.7(0.3) | 8.3(0.1) | 8.7(0.3) | |
| User Rating | 8.9 | NA | 8.9(0.0) | NA | 9.2(0.3) | 9.0(0.1) | |
| Best Price | $189.99 | $149 | $119.99 | $89.99 $120 | $129.99 | $129.99 $160 | |
| Type of Cut | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | |
| Weight | NA | NA | 350g - 360g | 400g - 400g | 360g - 370g | 350g - 360g |
53 likes
from KicksCrew
$123.00
40 likes
from KicksCrew
$155.00
66 likes
from KicksCrew
$157.00
8 likes
from KicksCrew
$177.00
5 likes
from KicksCrew
$185.00
6 likes
from KicksCrew
$197.00
6 likes
from KicksCrew
$208.00
1 likes
from KicksCrew
$261.00
81 likes
from KicksCrew
$273.00
71 likes
No stores found
Expert Reviews of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
Expert Rating: 8.4 (ranks #170 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.6
June 14, 2024
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro is a responsive shoe. I feel quick because of the top-tier traction and support. I wish Nike upgraded the cushioning more.
More details
8.6
July 15, 2024
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro is a lightweight, minimal shoe. The traction performs very well, but the cushioning is not geared for impact protection. The shoe is better suited for shifty guards.
More details
8.6
September 5, 2024
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro is a great pair to play in. The traction is impressive, and I enjoy the React cushioning setup.
More details
8.6
February 23, 2025
I love how supportive, lightweight, and grippy the Nike Kobe Protro 8 feels. The traction is excellent, and the heel counter keeps you contained.
More details
8.1
June 14, 2024
I'm not impressed by the improvements to the Nike Kobe 8 Protro. The cushioning could be better, but the traction and support are outstanding.
More details
7.6
June 14, 2024
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro allows a lot of movement freedom and contortion. Lighter players who don't require impact protection will get the most out of this shoe.
More details
User Reviews of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
User Rating: 8.9 (ranks #96 of 381)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
9
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.6
November 2, 2024
Traction is super grippy on all courts and rarely needs wiping.Cushion have great court feel but react foam needs break in to be more soft, ok bounce, and impact protection could be better. Materials take a decent amount of break in time to be less tight, but after broken in they’re light, breathable and supportive. The support is great because of the carbon fiber plate and heel counter. Fit is very narrow at first but after 5 or 6 wares it loosens up.
More details
9.0
January 1, 2026
My go-to right now. Since trying them, any other shoe feels different. Once you try Kobes, you never want to play in another shoe. I love very responsive shoes so for me the lack of cushion is not a big problem. Phenomenal traction, even on dusty courts a couple swipes every now and then will fix it.
More details
8.8
June 26, 2024
Really good option just pick thick socks which are not to wide because the insole will stick to it like glue
More details
8.8
July 11, 2024
User didn't add a summary.
More details
8.8
August 12, 2024
User didn't add a summary.
More details
Traction of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
Expert Traction Rating: 9.3 (ranks #48 of 381)
User Traction Rating: 9.4 (ranks #47 of 381)
10 - Amazing
9
9 - Great
7
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
10.0
June 14, 2024
The traction performance is freaking amazing. The stop and the bite are incredible on clean courts, and I wasn't affected by dust.
More details
10.0
July 15, 2024
The traction works very well. The rubber is sticky almost instantaneously.
More details
9.0
September 5, 2024
The traction performance is great. You're going to have no issues, especially on cleaner courts.
More details
10.0
February 23, 2025
The traction meets my high expectations. It bites extremely well on indoor courts.
More details
9.0
June 14, 2024
The traction performance is fantastic on clean courts. You'll have to wipe on dirty courts, but the performance holds up well.
More details
8.0
June 14, 2024
The traction performs well after the rubber gets warm.
More details
Cushion of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
Expert Cushion Rating: 7.7 (ranks #311 of 381)
User Cushion Rating: 8.5 (ranks #173 of 381)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
6
8 - Good
7
7 - Average
4
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.0
June 14, 2024
I prefer more springiness. The React foam feels softer than the older Lunarlon setup. Impact protection isn't the best. I love the court feel, though.
More details
7.0
July 15, 2024
The React drop-in midsole feels firm. It doesn't offer much impact protection and feels minimal.
More details
9.0
September 5, 2024
The React drop-in midsole has decent impact protection, but the setup caters more to responsiveness. It feels perfect for my personal needs.
More details
8.0
February 23, 2025
The React drop-in is low to the ground and responsive, but there isn't much impact protection. I would not recommend this setup for bigger players.
More details
7.0
June 14, 2024
The cushioning is somewhat of a letdown. The React drop-in is thin, especially under the forefoot. It offers an impressive court feel, but I would like more cushioning.
More details
7.0
June 14, 2024
The React midsole feels light and feathery but also flimsy.
More details
Materials of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
Expert Materials Rating: 7.9 (ranks #280 of 381)
User Materials Rating: 8.7 (ranks #106 of 381)
10 - Amazing
2
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
12
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.0
June 14, 2024
The materials are thin but comfortable.
More details
8.0
July 15, 2024
The materials feel stiff, but feel better after a break-in period. It gets the job done afterwards.
More details
8.0
September 5, 2024
The materials feel crispy, but it breaks in easily. I wish they used more premium materials. The upper gets the job done.
More details
8.0
February 23, 2025
The materials are nothing special. They do a good job, and are lightweight and breathable.
More details
7.5
June 14, 2024
The synthetic materials are nothing special. I like that the mesh is breathable and durable.
More details
8.0
June 14, 2024
The upper was not as breathable as expected. However, the heat retention is not affected. I like how the upper moulds to my feet, though.
More details
Support of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
Expert Support Rating: 8.5 (ranks #161 of 381)
User Support Rating: 8.9 (ranks #106 of 381)
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
10
8 - Good
3
7 - Average
2
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
June 14, 2024
I had zero issues with the support and lockdown. I would've felt better with more of a sidewall, but that's a personal preference.
More details
9.0
July 15, 2024
The support feels good, especially the heel counter. It caters well to fast, shifty guards.
More details
8.0
September 5, 2024
I had no issues with the support. I like the heel counter and the side-to-side stability.
More details
9.0
February 23, 2025
I like the heel counter and torsional shank plate. The support and containment are excellent.
More details
9.0
June 14, 2024
The support is one of the standout features. All positions can benefit from the lockdown and security of the Kobe 8.
More details
7.0
June 14, 2024
I love the external heel counter for stability. Heel slippage is non-existent. The lack of rails on the drop-in midsole can cause your foot to roll over.
More details
Fit of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
Expert Fit Rating: 8.3 (ranks #146 of 381)
User Fit Rating: 8.5 (ranks #189 of 381)
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
5
8 - Good
8
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
1
5 - Poor
0
8.0
June 14, 2024
The width is narrow, but the length is roomy. I felt alright with the fit.
More details
9.0
July 15, 2024
True to size feels good to me. It fits close to perfect.
More details
9.0
September 5, 2024
The materials break in nicely, but the forefoot feels snug. It feels close to 1-to-1 for me.
More details
8.0
February 23, 2025
The fit is a bit tricky. It takes time to break in because of the narrow width.
More details
8.0
June 14, 2024
I experienced some pinching near the outrigger. It makes the shoe feel narrow before breaking in. The toe box is fairly roomy, too.
More details
8.0
June 14, 2024
The fit is slightly short and narrow.
More details
Durability of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
User Durability Rating: 8.5 (ranks #158 of 381)
10 - Amazing
2
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
3
7 - Average
2
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
Outdoor of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 20.0 (ranks #257 of 381)
User Outdoor Rating: 42.9 (ranks #247 of 381)
Good (100%)
1
Fair (50%)
6
Bad (0%)
5
no
June 14, 2024
The rubber on this shoe is not a good option for outdoors.
More details
no
July 15, 2024
The rubber is firm and rigid, but I wouldn't recommend taking these shoes outdoors.
More details
fair
February 23, 2025
I think you can wear this pair outdoors.
More details
no
June 14, 2024
I don't think I would take this pair outdoors.
More details
fair
June 14, 2024
My version has a solid rubber outsole. It can perform decently outdoors.
More details
Width of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
very narrow
2
slightly narrow
12
regular
3
slightly wide
1
very wide
0
very narrow
June 14, 2024
The shoe is quite narrow.
More details
regularly wide
July 15, 2024
I like the width. It's not too narrow.
More details
slightly narrow
September 5, 2024
The forefoot is narrow.
More details
slightly narrow
February 23, 2025
The shape is narrow.
More details
very narrow
June 14, 2024
The fit is extremely narrow.
More details
slightly narrow
June 14, 2024
The shoe feels narrow. 2E feet can go up 1 size.
More details
Size of the Nike Kobe Protro 8:
very small
0
slightly small
7
true to size
11
slightly long
0
very long
0
½ size small
June 14, 2024
I went up half a size.
More details
true to size
July 15, 2024
I would stay true to size.
More details
true to size
September 5, 2024
The shoe is true to size.
More details
½ size small
February 23, 2025
Go true to size if you have narrow feet or up half a size if you have slightly wide feet.
More details
½ size small
June 14, 2024
Go up half a size if you have a wide foot.
More details
true to size
June 14, 2024
Narrow and medium feet can go true to size.
More details
Share this article:
Sharing is caring:
Sneaker Geek App
Get the "SneakerGeek" app and always stay up-to-date with new shoe releases!
