Kobe
Kobe 11 Elite Protro
D
Ranked #8 in Basketball Shoes
310 LP on the
category ladder
what's LP?
Its broader brand positioning and potential cost issues keep it low on the list.
Consolidated from 10 cited sources across 9 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 6 positive sources
- 3 neutral sources
Flagged as a product to avoid
6 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
The Elite Protro’s construction leads to early wear and loss of traction.
Flagged 27 July 2026
We may earn a commission if you buy through this link.
Pros & cons
- ✓ Excellent cushioning and ankle support per Best Basketball Shoes guide
- ✓ High court feel rating by RTINGS
- ✓ Plush midsole
- ✓ High comfort
- ✓ Extra cushioning
- ✗ Pricing concerns
- ✗ Overhyped
- ✗ Early wear
- ✗ Loss of traction
- ✗ Outsole scuffing
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
Evidence 3 articles, 5 video reviews and 2 community sources
6 positive sources
T 
Tops and Bottoms USA Article · Apr 2026 
WearTesters WearTesters · 946K subscribers · Apr 2026 
Grailify Article 
DaRetroWizKid DaRetroWizKid · 20.3K subscribers · Apr 2026 
STATION KICKS STATION KICKS · 1.2K subscribers · Apr 2026 
FootGear FootGear · 27 subscribers · Jun 2026
Tops and Bottoms USA Article · Apr 2026 The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low Protro “Mamba Out” makes its highly anticipated return, honoring one of the most unforgettable moments in basketball history. Worn by Kobe Bryant during his legendary 60-point farewell game, this release captures the essence of the Mamba Mentality through a clean, all-black design with refined gold detailing.Read W
WearTesters WearTesters · 946K subscribers · Apr 2026 I do think it's cool that they came with this cool pin though. Just cuz if you're a huge Kobe fan, you can take that off, put it on your backpack or wherever. I think that's dope. Is that worth not having the extra box though? I think so. You'd rather have this than the box? >> Yeah. Okay. Well, there's one person's opinion. What about yours? I will say there are other things too.Watch G
Grailify Article TLDR: The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro ‘Fade To Black’ returns to mark the 10th anniversary of Kobe’s final game.Read D
DaRetroWizKid DaRetroWizKid · 20.3K subscribers · Apr 2026 So, super dope to be able to pick this one up because this is probably one of the my favorite 11s that they released just because it commemorated his ending of his career and everything like that. And I just thought that it was super dope because he played in them and all that stuff. So, and when it came to the 11s, I played in the 11s.Watch S
STATION KICKS STATION KICKS · 1.2K subscribers · Apr 2026 If you're a true Black Mamba fan, these sneakers are a must-have for your collection.Watch F
FootGear FootGear · 27 subscribers · Jun 2026 If you're a true Black Mamba fan, these sneakers are a must-have for your collection.Watch
3 neutral sources
T TikTok TikTok post WearTesters WearTesters · 946K subscribers · May 2026
Kobe 11 Elite Protro Traction Test 🏀👟🛞 #sneakers #basketball #kobe #nike #kobe11 Kobe 11 Elite Protro Traction Test: Inconsistent Grip & Durability Issues. Testing the traction and durability of the Kobe 11 Elite Protro. Discover its inconsistent grip, especially on dust, and find out if it's the worst durability for a Kobe shoe.View post W
WearTesters WearTesters · 946K subscribers · May 2026 Do they have their positives? Yes, of course. Are there a few negatives? I wouldn't call them necessarily negatives with the one exception of one specific category. But, did I play well in them? That's a yes and a no. Like some days, yes. Some days, no. But, would I say that that's because of the shoe? Mhm, no, not really. I do that in every shoe. Trust me. Some days, I'm good.Watch I Instagram Instagram post
Got em both and love em 🔥View post
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #8 (D tier) on our consolidated basketball shoes board, drawn from 10 cited sources across 9 outlets.
Pricing concerns. Overhyped. Early wear. Loss of traction. Outsole scuffing.
Ranked nearby in Basketball Shoes
A tier #3 New Balance BB V3
A tier #4 Way of Wade 12
B tier #5 7 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. G.T. Cut 4
B tier #6 Serious Player Only Player 1.5
C tier #7 New Balance TWO WXY V3
F tier #9 4 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. LeBron 23 (budget variant)
F tier #10 5 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Nike Ja 3
F tier #11 4 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Nike Basketball (generic line)
F tier #12 3 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Kobe 11 Protro
F tier #13 6 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.