The Nike Kobe 9 Low 'Perspective' Shockingly Didn't Sell Out

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Shortly after Black Friday, NBA fans and sneakerheads turned their attention to the latest drop from Kobe Bryant's signature Nike basketball shoe line. However, the demand surprisingly failed to meet supply.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro dropped in the 'Perspective' colorway. It was the first time the 'Perspective' colorway appeared on the low-cut version of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low, and it had only appeared once before on the high-top version in 2014.
Either the nostalgia is fading, fashion trends have advanced, or economic situations have changed. Regardless, the once-popular shoe is now sitting on shelves days after its release.
Shopping Information

The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro 'Perspective' colorway was released on Wednesday, December 3. Online shoppers can still buy the performance basketball shoes for $220 in adult sizes exclusively on the Nike SNKRS app.
This is no fluke or restock; the shoes just never sold out during or after their ten-minute drop window on the Nike SNKRS app. Look no further than the sneaker resale market.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro 'Perspective' colorway is available well below retail price (before taxes, fees, and shipping) in most sizes on StockX.
Details

The 'Perspective' colorway sports Neo Turquoise and vibrant Volt hues. Most of the shoe is draped in Turquoise, while Nike Swoosh logos and Kobe branding pop in Volt. The iconic stitches on the heels appear in University Red.
The biggest update is the removal of the high-top ankle collar. This is the first OG colorway from the Nike Kobe Protro line to make such a drastic change to the original design.
The 'Perspective' colorway was part of Nike's larger marketing campaign for the Nike Kobe 9 that revolved around artists and improving perfection. Nike remained true to the original, while also improving upon perfection with this upgraded shoe.
More: Vanessa Bryant teases Nike Kobe drop on Christmas Eve.
Tech Specs

The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro features an early iteration of Flyknit on the upper, which is hardly comparable to modern versions of the material.
Other than going from a high-top to a low-top, the biggest change is underfoot. Nike added a drop-in React foam midsole that offers responsive cushioning, helping athletes feel connected to the court.
Meanwhile, a carbon fiber plate in the outsole helps provide strong yet lightweight lateral stability. Lastly, the legendary multi-directional tread and upgraded traction blades on the inner side give hoopers the grip the game demands.
More: The ultimate holiday shopping guide for Kobe Bryant fans.
History

Bryant introduced his ninth signature sneaker in several thoughtful colorways that reflected his 'Masterpiece' theme. Unfortunately, injuries prevented Bryant from playing many games in the Nike Kobe 9 (high and low versions).
Despite this highly anticipated release flopping, the Nike Kobe line still remains the gold standard of performance basketball shoes. Additionally, it is the most popular she of choice for hoopers and is unlikely to change anytime soon.
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Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. As a leading voice in footwear journalism, he breaks news, spotlights important stories, and interviews the biggest names in sports. Previously, Pat has reported on the NBA and authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)." You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.
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