Kobe Mentality - Performance Review

Nike has consistently released an alternative of the Kobe line over the years with the Venomenon. The Venomenon bares the Kobe logo but the design, technology and materials used is very different from the Kobe 9. This year Nike kicked it up a notch in the Kobe alternative line with the release of the Kobe Mentality. I used the Kobe Mentality on two pick up games and here's my short review.

Cushioning

The Kobe Mentality uses the same Lunarlon cushioning system found in the Kobe 8 and Kobe 9. You can actually pull out your Kobe 8 or Kobe 9 insole and do a swap. Lunarlon provides the low to the ground feel but doesn't sacrifice support. However, lunarlon support is more built for smaller or lighter guards. Heavier guards, forwards and centers might find the cushioning of the Kobe Mentality a bit too thin. Just like the Kobe 9s, the Mentality was a good fit out of the box. No break-in needed. My foot immediately molded into the Lunarlon insole. Throughout two pick up games there was no movement or slipping inside. As expected the Lunarlon support and cushioning was excellent.  

Traction

Nike used a herringbone pattern on the sole of the Kobe Mentality. I have to say that they played this pefectly by placing the herringbone pattern in the forefoot and the heel part. As a result, the shoe provided excellent traction. I used my pair on a smooth cement covered court in QC which has accumulated dust over the years. My pair was able to provide the grip during stops and cuts and even let out that sweet sounding squeak numerous times. The hard outsole also ensures it will be able to handle the rigors of an outdoor court.  

Support

The heel clip on the Mentality is a little bit shorter on the Achilles part compared to the Kobe 8 and Kobe 9. It doesn't provide that total lockdown feel when I initially laced it up. But it did not come off or felt like coming off (or slipping) when I was playing. The other support the Mentality provides is a small outrigger on the medial forefoot. This helps prevent your ankles from rolling out. The overall support of the Mentality is not too far behind to that of the Kobe 9.

There is also a 4:00 AM printed on the heel tab of the Kobe Mentality. This signifies Kobe's routine of waking up in the middle of the night (for most of us) and start his workout. During his tour in China he woke up his players at 4am to start practicing. During their Olympics training Kobe calls professional trainer Rob around 415am to workout with him. Rob rushes in the gym only to find Kobe already sweating and has been putting up shots. Kobe strongly believes that waking up at 4am and start training adds to the mental toughness of a player.

Upper

Like the Venomenon, the Mentality also uses a light fuse material on the upper in printed red and black.  This gives the shoe better breathability especially during those hot and humid days in the Philippines. The softer fuse upper also provdes excellent forefoot support without hurting my pinkie toe when cutting or stopping. The mesh honeycombed tongue also helps in the breathability aspect.

If you take a bird's eye view look at the Mentality's forefoot you'll notice the sheath pattern or the Kobe logo running from the toe box to the medial and the inner part of the forefoot. Sneaky! That same sheath pattern has some splatter design added to it. It is not that noticeable until you put the shoes a couple of feet in front of you. Again sneaky!

Final Word

There was some weird flex on the forefoot when I initially wore it but immediately went away after a couple of up and down the court. I expect the feel and flex of the toe box to get better as I use this more.

The Kobe Mentality runs true to size. I wear a 9.5 US in the Kobe 9 and also used a the same size for this review.

For 5,500 pesos this is a definite bang for the buck pair especially if you mostly ball outdoors (blacktop or cement). You get some of the fine points of the Kobe 9 like Lunarlon, heel clip support and a herringbone sole pattern without breaking the bank. The design is also well thought off and won't be seen as a take down of the Kobe by the untrained eye. Plus the box used has Kobe's sheath logo in a multicolor reflective print which adds to the appeal of the Kobe Mentality.

Grab you pair of the Kobe Mentality in Titan, Nike Park, Planet Sports, The Athelete's Foot and even Proline.