What sizes are left?
FAQ + live marketUpdated 2026-03-11
Nike Kobe IX Elite
Flyknit-era Kobe signature that represents the pinnacle of Nike basketball innovation, coveted for its revolutionary low-top performance design and amplified in value by Kobe's legacy.
Guide Score
82/100
Very GoodLensBasketball
Comfort8/10
Durability5/10
SizingRuns half size big
WidthStandard fit
Dress codeAthletic
CushioningEVA
This is our 0-100 guide score for the shoe overall. Higher is better. It is not a stock number or a price score.
How to trust it
We still need to add more source links to this guide.
This is a SoleFeed guide page with live store data.
Strong evidence — extensive community discussion
Key facts
- Popularity: Extremely high demand, legacy pricing
- Comfort: Flyknit + Lunarlon is excellent on court
- Fit: Snug Flyknit, half size up recommended
- Value: + retail, massive resale premiums
- Use case: Basketball, collecting, Kobe memorial
- Risk: Resale prices often 2-5x retail
Shoe intelligence
Comfort 8/10Durability 5/10Size up ½Basketball
Guide
Full breakdown
The Nike Kobe IX Elite was released in 2014 as part of Kobe Bryant's signature line, notable for being the first basketball shoe to use Flyknit construction. Designed by Eric Avar, it featured a full Flyknit upper, Lunarlon cushioning with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, and a carbon fiber shank plate. The shoe came in both mid and low versions, with the Elite designation marking the premium tier. Kobe's passing in 2020 dramatically increased demand and value for all Kobe shoes, making the IX Elite one of the most sought-after basketball shoes on the secondary market.
Questions answered
FAQ
Is the Kobe IX Elite good for basketball?
Yes, it's one of the most celebrated basketball shoes ever made. The Flyknit upper provides a lightweight, breathable fit with good lockdown. The Lunarlon cushioning with forefoot Zoom Air offers responsive court feel. The low-top design allows maximum ankle mobility. Many performance reviewers consider it a top-10 all-time basketball shoe.
Why are Kobe shoes so expensive?
After Kobe Bryant's death in January 2020, demand for all Kobe signature shoes skyrocketed. Nike also experienced gaps in production and distribution. The combination of memorial sentiment, limited supply, and genuine performance quality has pushed prices well above retail on the secondary market.
Is the Kobe IX comfortable for casual wear?
The Flyknit upper is sock-like and comfortable, and the Lunarlon foam provides genuine cushioning for walking. The low-profile design makes it easy to style casually. However, at current resale prices, many buyers hesitate to wear them casually when they could be preserved as collector items.
What makes the Kobe IX Elite special?
It was the first Flyknit basketball shoe, representing a genuine innovation in the sport. The combination of Flyknit, Lunarlon, and carbon fiber in a low-top basketball shoe was ahead of its time. It also marks a peak moment in the Kobe signature line before later designs went in different directions.
Sources & methodology
This page mixes guide writing with current store data.
Editorial citations have not been backfilled for this guide yet.