For shits and giggles, I’m going to review this shoe from two perspectives because …well because it’s boring writing the same thing as I did last with the original Kobe IV. I’ve been playing in these for a decade.. looks like I’ll playing in them for a decade more. There’s a reason it still resides in my top 5 rotation.
Protro left, retro right
Pros: true to the OG, traction, big heel Zoom, outstanding fit, stability, containment, adaptable fit
Cons: no upgrades as a protro (I already told y’all it was all marketing even with the Kobe. I ), new forefoot cushioning would have been nice though
Sizing advice: true to size, half a size up if you want or need more space and width. Don’t be scared it will fit (that’s what she said)
Best For: guards who want a well balanced cushioning set up
Buying advice: $175 retail is pricey but you’re really paying for history, Kobes name and nostalgia. If you don’t want to pay $175 don’t buy it at $175 simple as that, there are plenty of other good shoes out there. First colorways are always limited so wait for more colorways. $140-150 is fair, low around $110-120.
Weight
14.5 ounces which is 2 ounces heavier than the OG. Not sure why but oh well not a big deal to me.
Traction
Just like my OG review, no changes at all, no width changes or anything like that. It wasn’t going to make a difference if they did change the width because this herringbone is just about as perfect as you can get.
Thin pliable well spaced and deep. Some wiping is required on very dusty floors but most of the time you’re good to go.
Protro Guy: it’s been a decade plus and this traction is awesome.
Retro Guy: it’s just like the OG?Sweet
Cushioning
As I said in my OG review the first iteration on Lunarfoam bottomed out quickly although I found the rest of the shoe to be so good that I didn’t care and got used to it. Eleven years later whatever the foam is (most likely Phylon or Cushlon) it still feels very similar to Lunarfoam and is still it’s Achilles heel (Kobe pun/reference intended).
Left, OG foam is very very slightly firmer to the touch than the Protro but feels slightly softer overall due to the strobel, insole etc..
I was hoping for full length as well so I could stop looking for the perfect shoe but I’m not the CEO of Nike. I would have loved full length or forefoot Zoom but I didn’t have any issues at with the forefoot (yet) and it feels softer than what you found on Kyrie 2/3 etc. My neuromas didn’t buzz so you know it’s just enough. Forefoot cushioning from Lunar to this stiff isn’t really a step back but more a step sidewise. I expect this foam to last longer than Lunarfoam at least.
Heel Zoom is big just like the OG
As you can see, the only change Nike made was changing the strobel to foam instead of cloth and using a less dense otherlite insole. The newer insoles manufacturers use now don’t really add any impact protection which is a commonplace across all companies. They have been marketing the insoles that conform to your foot which is sorta kinda true but boy are the flimsy.
Top: Protro, bottom Og you can see how much more dense the OG is.
So based on an idea I used in the past and forgot about and thanks to a post by ia Shayp3on IG, I decided to swap out the insole with a Micro G insole and it made a considerable difference comfort wise. Micro G springs back very nicely versus these cheapo insoles. Almost Zoom like (a React insole would have been nice Nike!)
Heel Zoom is fantastic and can be felt from day one. Once upon a time, heel Zoom was big and bouncy and it’s nice to see it back to its old form again.
Protro Guy: I wanted full length and they gave me the same set up as before. I thought full length zoom was going to improve my jumper, my endurance on court, while saving me knees but this set up was like the original and surprisingly didn’t affect my play. I still went 0 for 11 like when I play in my Aj XXXiiis!
Retro Guy: same as the Og, sweet !
Fit:
I went half a size up to 11.5 since I didn’t check SNKERS fast enough. Oh well they are a little longer (almost a thumb width) since that’s what happens half a size up. I suggest true to size like the OG and half a size up for wide footers.
Even half a size up I had zero heel slip no side to side movement and it still fit like a glove. The design on the ankle collar with the Kobe IV amazes me because nobody has copied it. The ankle collar just conforms around the entire Achilles and ankle perfectly even half a size up. I guess UA hired the wrong Nike designers.
*One thing I did notice with the the Protro I and these is that it starts out stiffer overall but breaks in after a few runs. The OG was not quite as stiff out of the box but they end up in the same place quickly*
Protro Guy: excellent fit way better than I expected considering it’s been ten years!’better than almost every low I’ve tried ever.
Retro Guy: same as the Og! Sweet
Materials
O
ooh look at the tech!! Lines on plastic
“Flywire “and synthetic leather. No changes at all from the OG although the synthetic feels a little thicker and stiffer out of the box. If you’re into knits and weaves, well sorry you’re going to think these look and feel like crap but if you actually play in them and break them in, you won’t care.
Protro Guy: I thought I’d hate these materials because of the plasticky feel but they confirmed to my foot quickly no hot spots or pinching! No complaints. What is this synthetic leather stuff ?
Retro Guy: same as the OG? Sweet!!
Support and stability
Look at that lower heel counter. Performance upgrade !! Not
Support comes from the excellent fit and heel counter so no issues here.
Midfoot support is great thanks to the carbon fiber shank.
Stability is excellent on the IV. No excessive squishiness in the heel, low to ground in the forefoot, large outrigger and who can forget the Y heel which everyone has copied over the last decade. Although it isn’t a true indicator of support and stability, I don’t think I’ve ever sprained my ankle in these.
Protro Guy: just low the ground and stable just like the best shoes out today wtf!!
Retro Guy: same as the Og?! Sweet!
Containment
No issues just like the OG. Foot stay, stiffer synthetic upper etc…
Protro Guy: dang whoever thought that this was even a performance aspect is a genius
Retro Guy: ditto^^ same as the Og?! Sweet!!
Conclusion
Protro Guy: Despite not having full length zoom, I have to admit the Kobe IV played great with exceptional traction, fit, and stability. It feels like it was part of my foot after only a few games and surprising, the forefoot cushioning wasn’t an issue even though I would have preferred full length Zoom. Switching out the OG insole added a lot more feel and spring under my foot and I actually didn’t miss full length Zoom much. Just a nimble quick feeling shoe. No wonder Schwollo loved the OG so much. At $175 it is expensive for a performance shoe but it still performs well.
Retro Guy: same as the OG?! sweet!! If I close my eyes I couldn’t tell you which shoe was which after breaking them in. I love that Nike didn’t change a thing and why should they when it’s one of the best low tops of all time? Kobe won his first championship post shaq in these, brought low tops as an alternate and retros are always dope to wear. I don’t have to pay $250 for the OG so if Nike continues to produce retros true to the OG, I’ll be happy. Pretty hard to top the Kobe IV.
So why did I review this from two different perspectives ? Expectations are going to affect the tone of reviews and I’m a “performance” guy and collector so I can see both perspectives. People are upset about full length Zoom not being used in the Kobe IV protro and I get it which is why I don’t get all hyped when I read pre release news since they can be inaccurate. Words are just words so I’d rather try the shoe myself and see how it plays rather than base it on “tech specs”. People are also upset about the $175 MSRP which is also understandable but guess what, Nike is an uber strong valuable brand across the world and than Adidas, UA, LiNing, Anta, Brandblack (who dis).
Really surprised about Anta but then again I’m not in Asia. Look how Nike is the same value as 2-8 combined.
Have you ever tried to sell a pair of Jordans or Nikes versus trying to unload a pair of Hardens or Curry’s? I have and the value and market for those make it a lot harder to get rid of. Wear a pair of Jordans a few times and you can still sell them for retail but if you do the same with a pair of Hardens or Curry’s you’ll be eating a 50% loss. Did you see how quickly AJ XI Concords sold at $220 in unprecedented quantities ? That’s just the power of a brand and the retro market. If you’re going to argue the logic that Nike should lower its prices, good luck with that. Ask Bentley or Aston Martin to drop their prices to Hyundi range while you’re at it.
If you don’t want to pay $175 or don’t have a connection to them don’t buy them, simple as that. “Performance” sneakerhead make up an extremely minuscule percent so I don’t expect Kobe Protro prices dropping anytime soon because of #Protrogate. All company’s are FOR PROFIT, so they are trying to maximize PROFITS. It isn’t like Nike is the only one playing the retro game and charging a premium, it’s just that people actually want the Kobe IV.
These Tmac retros are set at $160 and nobody cares because we all know they will go on sale. Even older “tech” no rings, no finals, no dunk championships..ah Tmac, wtf are you good for?
As I was writing my conclusion, I think this might be the second time I’ve reviewed a new retro as a performance sneaker so I’m not sure how I should grade it? Do I grade it by price ? If so, I’d take it over the more recent expensive models such as the Lebron XV, XVI, Jordan 28-33 because it fits me and my game perfectly and it’s probably one of the most nimble shoes I’ve ever played in. Just a perfect amount of court feel and comfort for me. If you’re looking for a more plush shoe, this is not it and even if it had an 8 mm bag, this still wouldn’t be the right shoe for you. If you want plushness go buy something with Boost or KDs or Lebron. If you want a full length Zoom Kobe get the Kobe I Protro, you’re not giving up anything versus the IV except it’s a higher yet flexible. Cushioning is all about preference so I’m pretty sure everyone would have preferred full length over heel only but it isn’t a deal breaker. If cushioning was all that mattered to me, I’d just call this a sneaker cushioning review site and give all my awards to Adidas, Lebron, and KD.
Against a typical $130-140 shoes ($140 is what the Kobe IV would cost in today’s dollars) it is still just as good or maybe even better depending on what you’re looking for despite the fact that it doesn’t have the latest and greatest forefoot cushioning. I think these feel way better than HOVR Havoc and even the full length set up of the Curry 6 which has the “latest and greatest”. Plus they don’t peel off (that’s the real shame in my opinion). Don’t forget UA put full length EVA in the Curry 4 and 5 and called it proprietary (all sneaker companies are 🐍). There are plenty of other shoes out there that are are fantastic but not that many shoes that are special to me. My mind is filled with great memories in the Kobe IV and even though that has no effect on any true performance aspect, it does give me that extra bit of confidence and aggressiveness I need at times. If you have no emotional attachment or don’t have a big FOMO complex, you’ll be fine in the Kobe AD Mid, Exodus etc..everything I reviewed so far this year has been great including the PG3 and Why Not Zero 2 which I will have a review for soon.
Overall, the Kobe IV Protro is just as good as the original which is 👌 by me.
schwollo.com 
surprised you feel the forefoot is the same as the og. although the lunar bottomed out quickly, it felt awesome for the first couple weeks of play. I was hoping for some forefoot zoom this time. damn you nike.
thanks for the review. I think I will stick with the protro 1 these days.
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I only have my used pairs to go off of so they might all be dead lol Mine bottomed out super fast. This set up starts firmer but breaks in.
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I was looking forward to this one! Enjoyed the review. Had to return the Protro so I didn’t get to to play in it. I figured that if I’m paying$190 for heel zoom, I might as well get the OG in a colorway I actually like. Plus, like you said, there are plenty more options with the same cushioning set up for much cheaper. I see your point about getting this shoe for the name and nostalgia. A little upset that it wasn’t really upgraded at all as Nike had originally advertised, but a lot of us complain about the quality of the Jordan retro’s and they still sell out. Maybe if the Del Sol or Carpe Diem colorways release then I’ll give it another go. Glad you enjoyed them and that they perform as good as the OG!
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I stopped buying Jordan retros myself around 2006 when the quality went to total crap. Plus I already had 1-21. Last few retros I bought have been pretty good aside from the little foam nipples. The Kobe iv has been retroed really well so far. Look forward to your review when you find the one you want !
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Yeah I returned mine mostly because of the price (190) with the lack of forefoot zoom. I’ll def be getting pairs when more colorways drop and go on sale. I had to change out the insole in the OG pairs too because of the bottoming out of the lunar. If they’re 2 oz heavier it would make sense that they have cushlon. I didn’t really notice the weight at all when trying them on. They felt really light. The price is really the biggest hurdle for me. I didn’t even pay retail for the OGs lol. I agree though full length zoom OR forefoot zoom would have made these PERFECT. Thanks for the review.
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Which do you consider the GOAT shoe, this or the protro 1s?😁 If this question is too much, what shoes would you placed on your first tier? 😉 I always look forward to reading your reviews and love the fact that you always keep it 💯👌
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The I and iv have been in my top ten for a decade. For me I don’t find any actual benefit from full length zoom vs heel or forefoot only . However full length feels more fun.the protros are just extending their run for me
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Thanks for the review Schwollo. Glad you got a pair you that worked for you.
I ordered a pair from SNKRS and was immediately disappointed by the cushioning (this was a 180 from my experience in the 1s). The forefoot cushioning was just firm and dead. My older back and knees need more cushioning than only phylon in the forefoot. The Kobe Exodus and other shoes have made that clear to me the last few years. Besides, I frankly expected more in a Protro with a premium price because the Protro 1s were spot on. I get that this setup may work for some people and others are excited to get any retro of the 4s, but I was really hoping to get performance upgrades and not just a rebranded retro of the 4. These shoes don’t work for me so my pair went back to Nike and I’m getting something else. Too many good options out there for far less. I’m hoping Nike goes back to full length zoom with the Protro Vs next year.
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Yep there are always alternatives to every shoe really unless you put yourself in a one year bubble. Protro I is great (duh) and I love the iv too but if cushioning is what’s most important to you it isn’t the best option.
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Nike is Nike and they gotta do some Nike things. I understand that, but still don’t feel too good about what they’ve done here. Not the first time they gave us inaccurate info and it’s not gonna be the last time. Their marketing team and design team probably don’t communicate with each other, or they just don’t give a damn.
Really surprised about these being 2 ounces heavier. Don’t know where that weight came from. Foam strobel maybe?
Also that first pic’s description is wrong. “Protro left, retro right”?
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Lol protro left retro right is a joke I made up.shoes are the same but given how ppl see on as a retro and one as a protro…nvm lol
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Low blow on the Achilles heel joke OUCH!!!!!! JK
I’ll wait for the why not review, but can you say if the forefoot cushion is like the 28’s or bouncy at all?
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Hhaha why not 2 has a good solid real zoom feel but it doesn’t have that 28 feel. 28 stuck out a lot and was a smaller zoom right under the forefoot which is probably why they busted a lot of them. Why not 2 is most similar to the 33 feel but with a little less protrusion this not quite as zoomy. Still very very good zoom though don’t get me wrong but not 28 feel
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Almost like yesterday when I was flying up the court in the 28’s. Best shoe experience I ever had.
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I’m Daniele from Italy, hello Schwollo !
Thanks for your amazing website, I love your reviews!
I have the OG back in the days, and rear Zoom Air popped after two games…
Same old story with Nike and Jordan separated Zoom bags.
Oh, I’m a small and light PG, so isn’t a weight problem…
Definitely not a good idea to pay 175$ for a shoe that could leave you in a few weeks
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That’s odd I’ve never had a zoom pop in a Kobe. Did you contact Nike for a return ? A little late now 😆
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😂😂
Yes, it’s too late now!
When I contacted Nike’s customer service, I haven’t had any answer
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That sucks. They should have replied back then
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Which shoes from the Kobe Signature line are wide-footer friendly (besides the Kobe 1)
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Kobe ii and iii if you go true to size. You can go up half a size pretty much for all Kobe’s and still be ok fit wise
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Yeah, i have to go up a half size in most kobes now (wide feet). The 4s are wide up until the toe box lol.
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Hahah doh!
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The Kobe ii is the most wide footer friendly. I had space side to side even in a 10.5
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Hey Schwollo! Which Kobe (signature line) shoe has the traction pattern that is least affected by dusty floors?
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Kobe ix
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Awesome review. Do you have Patreon? Your reviews are top notch.. informative and entertaining. Are you into Firearms? Would love to see you do reviews on other products too.
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Haha only guns I have are on my body 🙂
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I ordered these for $175 (retail 235 CAD) as my size magically appeared and thought it was a really good deal as this shoe is drying up at the full retail price out here. Does the Phylon in the midsole bottom out like a Lunarlon where it’s dead after 3 months or like a Kyrie 4 cushlon where it’s still soft and forgiving after a year?
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I can’t answer that since my pair isn’t even close to a year old. ..plus I rotate shoes a lot. They seem to be less “airy” and feel more dense than lunarlon
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Great review! Just got my pair of Del Sol in the mail today, and try them on only in the house. Immediately noticed that the medial side of the synthetic upper pinching my foot as I bent my foot when walking, and the upper feel a bit thin and plasticky which is not how I remember the OG ZK4 was 10 years ago. Is this feeling the same with you, and does it go away quickly after some break-in? Thanks!
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Nope feels like my OG. OG was/is plasticky since Flywire was in it’s infancy. Never liked the plastic feel of any of the older shoes but it doesn’t affect how it plays. It will break in though
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But did you also have the pinching on the protro from the upper to begin with?
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No I didn’t
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I find pinching and stuff to be very personal to the wearer
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BTW by plasticky I mean the leather toebox area, which I think I remember closer to thick real leather feeling on the OG.
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It’s very similar to the OG but no issues for me.
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I had the same synthetic plasticky feeling with the original and the protro. They would pinch around the big toe for me. They do eventually break in. I’d say they feel pretty identical to the originals. I went a half size up this time around.
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Hey Schwollo! How does the traction on the draft day colourway compared to the traction on the Del Sol colourway? (In other words, how does the traction on a Kobe IV with half translucent half solid rubber compare to a Kobe IV with just solid rubber?)
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Not a huge difference but the solid Del sol is slightly better overall.
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Thank you sir!
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Yo Schwollo! Read this review back when it came out, but I didn’t pick up a pair until they went on sale…so I’ve been playing in them for about a month now maybe and I swear if I put a Protro 4 on one foot and an AD mid on the other I can’t tell ‘em apart (except for when I start walking and one upper feels like plastic and the other doesn’t lol, not that it affects performance just saying). I have my Carpe Diems now that I didn’t have back in the day, but will probably load up on a few more ADM’s now that they’re dirt cheap. How similar did you find these two models?
Anyhow
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Whoops, didn’t mean to leave that last part lol
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I think the adm has a little more bounce in the forefoot but not much. It’s a great great shoe but slept on of course. I think the protro 4 fits my foot a little better than the adm . Can’t go wrong with either although I do find the iv way sexier ahah
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Haha the ADM’s are the Air Monarch’s of the Kobe line but a damn good shoe nonetheless! LOL, thanks for the response as usual. B-ball season is right around the corner, new sneaks are coming… which means more deals on current sneaks, can’t wait!!
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Oh yea deals are crazy right now. Protro I for 99 or less on eBay or any secondary market sites. Adidas is cheap as always although harden prices sitting up a little this year for the time being. Have a great season !
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Hi Schwollo
Question :Between PG3 and Kobe IV, Which has best:
– cushion ?
– lockdown/ containement ?
– confort/padding ?
Thanks
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Hello Schwollo
Big test about Kobe ?
If you had to classify Kobe 4, 5 and 6 according to each criterion of your tests. (traction, cushioning, fit, etc …)
And Overall.
Could you give us your Ranking
Thanks in advance. it will be very interesting.
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https://schwollo.com/2015/11/14/retro-review-nike-zoom-kobe-v-performance-review/amp/
Kobe iv > Kobe v traction also a little more stable bc of firmer heel
Fit is great w both Cushioning about the same (forefoot Zoom is small met bag)
So for me Kobe IV > Kobe v
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thanks
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These have been extremely hard to get in Canada. Finally got the fade to black ones that came out last weekend. I noticed they use a suede instead of leather and the flywire panel looks like mesh. I wonder if they will be more comfortable and if they will have the same lockdown as the regular pairs. Really looking forward to playing in them.
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Maybe ? 😂
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Found a pair of like-new Del Sol for $80… how lucky is that?
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💪!!!
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