Nike Kobe V 5 Protro Review
Written by schwollo
I wrapped this review up a week or two ago but I didn’t want to publish it because it didn’t feel like the right time; I didn’t know what to say or how to say it so rather than write some long epic novel about life, death, and celebrity I thought I’d just post this review. Kobe was never my favorite player but I loved his shoes and Nike did the Protro retro right.
Pros: improved traction, comfortable cushioning, outstanding fit, support and stability, containment, best in class ultra lightweight ..nothing is even close to these in terms of weight
Cons: hard to get, Zoom Turbo really can’t be felt much
Best for: I’d say small light guards but basketball is positional less now so why can’t the shoes be
Buying advice: good luck
Weight:
Same as the OG at 12 ounces which is a half to a full ounce lighter than anything else I’ve seen in the last few years. Weight doesn’t matter to me but my first time picking up the OG box I wondered if there was anything inside. Most lows these days weigh about 13-14 ounces for reference.
Traction
For the first time in a Protro, Nike actually (slightly) changed the pattern on the outsole. There are more points of contact on the Protro to make the traction a a little better..better enough for me to consider sliding these into the rotation.
OG left, Protro rightIf you look at the pic about it looks like a good 20-25% more contact points. The rubber feels the same as before FYI. Nike slightly dulled the pattern to create even more contact (similar to how I like a worn down Kobe VI).
Thank you improving the major flaw of the Kobe V Nike.
Well done!
Cushioning
Nike giveth, Nike taketh away. No Zoom in the heel.Zoom Turbo in the forefoot…yea that technology shit ship has sailed. Give us one regular shaped bag like the HD16 and we’d get a better feeling shoe. People see the perforations in the Zoom Turbo and think it adds flexibility but the flexibility of the bag is limited by the foam surrounding the bag and to a lesser extent, the outsole and upper so it’s pretty useless. I honestly hard a hard time telling where the Zoom started since it all felt pretty much the same from heel to toe. The good news is the foam feels great with just enough give and bounce to it. However, I can’t say it’s an upgrade because the foam on the OG was pretty soft plus it had a big heel Zoom bag and a met bag in the forefoot. I enjoy having Zoom in the heel but I didn’t miss it in the Protro.
Overall, it’s just a wash versus the OG based on feel. On paper, it’s a little skimpy with the Zoom Turbo.
Fit
These run smaller than the OG by about half a size. If you like a super snug fit you can go true to size but the safe play is half a size up. I always loved the low profile of the shoe which gives it its sexiness but aside from its looks, it just fits like glove. The fit is fantastic out of the box, just like the OG, with zero heel slip, no movement side to side no deadspace anywhere. No need to poke holes, work the shoe like an accordion, pre wear them casually to break them in or any of that nonsense. The V IS still one of the best fitting shoes I’ve ever worn. Put it on, go play, forget you’re wearing a shoe.Still awesome after ten years of sneaker “tech”, 4d printing and AI.
Materials
Flyskin…new from Trojan!Just Like the OG the upper pops a little bit to start but doesn’t affect play since it’s so thin and pliable (Trojan inspired indeed). It breaks in after about an hour or two anyways. One problem with the OG was that the upper would rip and since the upper hasn’t changed at all, I expect more of the same because let’s face it, quality control isn’t Nike’s biggest strength. Still sexy as hell to look at in this colorway and one of my favorite shoes to just look at of all time. Can show companies merge looks and “tech” or does whack looks sell nowadays ? If so bring back the Dadas 🤷🏻♂️
Support and stability
Zero issues here Just like the OGFit is ridiculously good especially in the heel thanks to a perfect heel fit and a sturdy external heel counter . Hey NB are you listening ? I said sturdy think heel counter.
S T U R D Y: antonym, see Omn1 heel counter
Midfoot support is great since Nike still employed the Carbon Fiber shank.
Stability is excellent as before thanks to a forefoot outrigger and Y heel. Hey Adidas and NB take some cues, you want stability in the heel and the Y allows the heel to flex more independently. I always loved this concept.Containment
No issues here.
Conclusion
For the first time, Nike made a change that was actually impactful by improving the traction on the Kobe V. However, they also went a little sideways with the cushioning but I’m not mad, it works just fine. Everything else is pretty much the same as the OG sans cushioning which, for better or same or worse, you can’t feel much. Thankfully the foam is forgiving and soft so you have a really smooth and enjoyable ride from heel to toe even if it doesn’t have the Zoom signature feel.
As you all well know, Kobe prices have gone through the roof as Nike pulled all Kobe items off the online store to prevent resellers from capitalizing on his passing so in reality this review is pretty useless unless you want to fork out $400 plus to ball in. If you’re spending $400 bucks, you won’t care what any review has to say because it ain’t about the shoe’s “performance”. People complained and cried about the prices of the Kobe 4 Protro but as I said before, prices, especially with retros, aren’t about tech at all, it’s about nostalgia and connections to the past whether it be watching your hero play in them or reliving found memories of younger yourself wearing them. Jordan retro prices are over $200 on average and the average consumer doesn’t blink an eye, you know why? Because everyone still wants to be like Mike and sex sells. Not many shoes out there that have the significance or memories adults like myself built up in our head growing up. I remember the time MJ dunked from the free throw line or when he hit the shot over Ehlo. (Don’t worry I didn’t see it live, we didn’t have cable so I saw the replays). The same goes with Kobe or any sports figure who has done great things on the court or field or course.
I certainly hope that Nike floods the market with recent Kobe’s to help satiate the demand. Flood the market, make money while making the fans happy and honoring Kobe? That sounds like a win win to me.
First team, Rest In Peace to all.
schwollo.com 
Nice review as always! I hope they eventually release some other colourways like Bruce Lee (lol yea right long shot), Finals or Ink (my personal fav).
Btw, any plans to grab the adizero Rose 1 retros? Duke4005 said the retro has Bounce but I’m skeptical, none of the website I checked say that. I still want to pick up a pair of the ASG ones though, those were BRIGHT on tv like what 8 years ago? Damn.
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No plans right now to grab them but bounce would be a nice touch . However bounce needs volume and the Rose 1 is really low to the ground so 🤷🏻♂️
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My og pair is still playable, don’t know how the glue held up so well. However, the heel zoom is bulging out and that made me thinking it’s probably why they removed it in protro. One of my favorites of all time.
I was never a kobe fan, but I always respected his MJ-like work ethic and craziness. I’ve also watched more Kobe’s games than anybody else’s. There’s no way to avoid watching Kobe if you were a basketball fan.
Kobe 2 UL was the shoe that really got me into high end basketball shoes, the fit was perfect for me and there’s an addicting underfoot feel from the zoom+free combo.
Honestly my brain still doesn’t know how to handle this correctly.
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Kobe 2 ? Wow never heard anybody say that was the shoe that got them sucked in lol. I do love them for aesthetic purposes never loved them on court. My OG are still holding up but I know they won’t hold up much longer.
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Nice review Schwollo. Also, not a huge Kobe fan. He was a great player and Nike made him some great shoes over the years. I was hoping to pick up a pair to play in because I liked playing in the OGs. Sounds like I will like them if I can eventually get a pair. I’m definitely not paying resale prices.
I like your comments about the zoom turbo they used in the Vs. I have not been impressed with that type of bag in the Kyrie 5 and 6. It’s definitely more about marketing than performance. I get needing to put a weld line or two for flex like in the 28s, 29s, 34s or Why Not 3s. Making the bag look like a quilt is just ridiculous – there’s no way it needs to flex that much in so many places and there’s no way it can when encased in a structured shoe.
What are you excited to try out/review next? I’m curious if the LeBron 17 lows and 34 lows play any differently than the highs. I’ll probably grab those. I’m also thinking of eventually grabbing the T-Mac Millenium 2s and the Anta Hayward 1s and KT5 lows.
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I think when you articulate zoom especially to quilt levels you really don’t get that bounce. The only articulated zoom thst was any good was the Og AJ xiv and those were thick and big pieces . (Oh how I loved the OG) I have the PG4 up next. Not really interested in the Lbj 17..still sits too high for me.
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Great review: i could never convince myself to buy them to be honest. That low profile scared the shit out of me
People are sheep: had crazy 98 (boost on my eBay for like 3 months)- got them on the cheap, didn’t like the heel to toe drop (BYW). Sold them within a week after the events. Like WTF
On that note, never liked him until the 8->24 transition and have to say he was the only player with the same drive as MJ. Will say the only one. He was the game changer, he was clutch. LBJ is great but not clutch, not the same drive – sorry LBJ fans. Plus there’s only GOAT
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Yep everyone wants a piece of history after it’s gone. Nothing wrong with that but lots of ppl all of sudden think the Kobe’s look like fire and are must haves all of a sudden.
Having watched MJ all my life, I do respect the work Kobe put in and the two titles without Shaq. That was surprising and impressive. Lbj makes the right play but yes we want to see the stars take that last shot, not pass it even if it’s the right play 😂
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hey man, how does the crazy98 play?
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Hey
They aight haha. Seriously though: they were og materials (upper) so leather mostly. More boost in the heel and muted in the forefoot: the heel to toe transition was okay but the problem was comparing it to zoom air. And then i got the kd12 and they are nowhere close
Containment wise flat base, no heel slip and felt like were extension of your foot. Definitely a good purchase on the cheap
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Sorry for 2 posts. WP on Safari iOS is crap
When i say i didn’t like him i meant: destroyed my 76ers in 2001! Always went against any team i rooted for and destroyed them. At the same time the 1998 ALL STAR that behind the back to himself move we practiced the next day after 6 hours of sleep
Oh and i never thought I would take this so personally. I was (and still am) in a way devastated by the whole thing.
I think he could have crossed over to management in a better fashion than MJ
RIP Kobe.
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I remember that move 😂
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As usual, thanks for posting Schwollo!
I was born in 78’ just like Kobe, so my light, quick guard days have long been gone but since 1/26 I haven’t been able to play in anything but my KB Protro 1, 4 and now these …and that’s mostly because of nostalgia like you mentioned because the minimal cushion and these old knees are not a winning combination. I remember playing in the OG road colorway and the very first time I wore them suffering through absolute worst ankle sprain of my life to this day! Sidelined me for two months but guess what shoe I put on as soon as I returned to the court? That’s right…MAMBA MENTALITY lol
Personally I mind the lack of Zoom in the heel…but I do find it to be a little on the mushy side. Can feel the Zoom turbo ever so slightly after about 5-6 hours of play. It’s not my favorite set up by far, but I too hope Nike floods the market because my wallet is ready. Eventually I’ll wear other shoes, in fact I scored a pair of PG 4’s the other day..looking forward to reading your review on those. Sadly I think my pair might be returned, I’ve owned every PG model and have gone TTS each time but sadly these might be the first pair that I’m ever going to have to size up.
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It’s not the most responsive foam for sure. Thats why I like zoom a lot bc it’s a perfect mix of spring and responsiveness.
Yea I took a guess and went up half a size with the pg4 and it was the right call. I could have gone up half a size with the 3 and 2 and been ok, definitely had to go up half a size with the 1. I think it has a lot to do with that fat insole.
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I’d like to see them try a zoom strobel on one of these protro kobes one day. I dont know if its possible; if it raises the foot up to much there may be containment issues. But if it fits it might be really nice.
Like you, i was all about the kobe 1 back in the day and got one of the protros for cheap at the outlets. I was thinking of getting the 81 points one for 90 bucks at the outlets to have one on deck when the other wears out, but didnt pull the trigger cuz i bought the lebron 17. Cut to today, the lebron 17 is a clunky downgrade from the 16 and them 81 points kobes i couldnt get unless i spend 400 bucks :(.
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You know the Kobe I protro is basically a zoom strobel ? It’s just covered by a thin mesh so no major difference btwn thst and the KD 12. Yep lots of ppl slept on the I and IV but if you know me i grabbed a few under retail bc I love them so much. Prices will fall back down but maybe not as low as before
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Yeah the zoom is real nice on the kobe 1. Id like to see the strobel on a low kobe cuz I think the reason they didnt put full length zoom on one yet is it raises the foot too much, causing instability. Maybe since they have the strobel now it might be able to be put there without adding too much height, but im not sure. I just think full length zoom would be nice on a low kobe.
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Not sure either. They can make it lower just remove some foam. FLZ is usually about 8-9mm thick so plenty of wiggle room to do it while a heel only set up is usually 12-14 mm (met or forefoot bag is 7-8 mm as well)
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Nice review as always. I believe the V belongs to the newer era shoes since there is no leather. I would always prefer the Kobe 1s that i play right now (protro) and 2s if they ever come out. Kobe 4s great shoes back then (gold medal) even my zoom popped. I didn’t purchase the “protro” since i don’t trust them and i am not sure if the zoom would hold up. Especially when i have to pay much more for a shoe that cost €140 back then.
The Vs were the first shoes that gave me plantar fasciitis back in 2010 and i was only 24 years old 1.90m weighing 88kg. On paper, they look supportive. How did it go with your plantar fascia issue? I remember after having physiotherapy for months and receiving complaints from my coach and team’s board members ( i was playing professionally back then) i had to switch to Jordan 11 and 12 to fix that problem. I am really scared purchasing the Vs for on-court use but nostalgia is a bitch.
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Kobe 1s are great and as you may or may not know, have been in my rotation since 06. The Kobe V is a great shoe but def different than the I. PF sucks and is why I try to avoid over flexible shoes. Takes forever to recover from it.
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The Kobe V was the first non-budget basketball shoe I bought. Before that I was playing in anything my parents would scrunge from factory stores, or even Starburys. I ended up ripping through three pairs of Kobe Vs during their run and honestly, nothing has come close to the fit and feel of the shoe for me aside from my Curry 2s. I’ve since bought Kobe 11s, Kobe 4 Protro last year, all good shoes but they didn’t hit the spot for me the way the 5 did. Unfortunately with the tragedy I’m worried I won’t be able to snag any pairs of any if they even end up releasing more with the crazy demand now. Sucks because I genuinely was looking forward to finally playing in these again but the market is working against me now
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I still think Nike should (will) rerelease all recent protros so don’t lose out hope! It will probably take awhile before they feel the time is right and if they can get a good pr release written 🙂
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Did you ever play with any of the translucent pairs?
Lucky enough to get the 5 rings protro for retail and a second pair off resale. A bit let down though as the craftsmanship is really really poor on both pairs. Not as good as the EYBL.
I’m worried about the traction. Off trying them on at home and testing the traction, they have zero bite.
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I did not
You may want to give it some time to break in. The originals w trans we’re not good w dust and would harden over time
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Appreciate the review.
Looking to get a pair of Bruce Lee’s after market.
I had the 10.5 OG in the day and the were too tight. I am traditionally a True to Size 11 in Nike. I noticed you recommend the half size up. That would be 11.5 for me. I wear a regular, medium width shoe.
Before I spend a ton of money, was hoping for your final pitch for the half size up.
Let me know pal
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You’d def want to go half a size to a full size up. These run smaller than the OG so I’d lean toward a full size up .
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I am a normal size 11 in Nike usually as well fyi. Og Kobe V didn’t bother me size wise.
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Thanks pal.
Was reading elsewhere to stick to true to size because they will loosen up.
What do you think of that? Did you use these Protros for a long period of time? Are the Protros THAT tight?
Little more reassured if you’re a normal 11 shoe with Nike..
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They run shorter than the og so they won’t get any longer 😂
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Thanks Schwollo, great review as always and love your work! What size would you recommend for wide footers? Also, any plans on doing a review of the Kobe 6 Protro?
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At least half a size to a full size over your true to size
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Can’t get a pair of protro 6 yet . Most likely it’s the same as the OG 😆
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Ah I see no worries. I’m just trying to figure out the sizing for the Kobe 6 Protro and you have been real spot on with your advice on other shoes!
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Probably true to size or half a size up. The beauty of good fitting shoes is that it doesn’t have to be perfect unlike adidas. Cough cough
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I’m flat footed, what size would you recommend for me? For reference, I am TTS size 10, KD13 size 10.5, Curry 8 size 11, and Jordan 35 size 10.5. Not sure if I should go with 10.5 or 11 for the Kobe 6 Protro. Thanks!
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Probably 10.5
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I do not know if the protro runs tts or small though but if you’re an 11 in the Curry 8 and a 10 tts 10.5 should be good
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Great video mate!
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Sorry mate I think I have double posted please remove this
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