Zoom Zoom Zoom with the Nike Zoom Fly

I’ve never been a fan of Nike Running shoes. I always thought they were behind the likes of Mizuno, adidas and Asics when it comes to quality running shoes. Heck I think they are outshined by the new brands in Manila like Zoot, Newton and Hooka One One. However, Nike made a big leap with the release of the Nike Zoom Fly. The Zoom Fly is actually a take down of the Nike Vapor Elite (which was released to elite athletes in their project Breaking2) and the limited release Vapor 4% but in no way it lacks in quality and performance as its more expensive siblings. This shoe is making a strong case of changing my mind about Nike running shoes.

Out of the regular orange box you can immediately notice the lightweight-ness of the Zoom Fly. Weighing only 238g (Men’s size 10), it’s like pulling out a pair of slippers or slides instead of a running shoe. It can definitely rival the Adidas Ultraboost Uncaged in terms of weight. For triathlon events, I'd go for a light shoe because your legs are going to be tired from kicking in the pool/ocean and spinning on your bike. Any weight advantage in the run leg is a definite plus.

Nike used the single Engineered Mesh (or Fly Mesh) for the upper to keep the weight of the shoe down and the design seamless. I’ve seen this material in different Nike Basketball shoes (owned some of them) and I can say that they are light, breathable, flexible and strong. They also implemented the Flywire support in the lacing system which provides a lock down on the sides of the foot. Eyelets and laces were nothing out of the ordinary as well as the design. The heel counter has enough padding in it that doesn't become a distraction and serves the purpose.

The outsole of the Zoom Fly is not that hard rugged rubber but rather on the softer side especially on the heel part. If you’re a heel striker and on the heavier side of the scale these diamond-shaped like rubber outsole might have a higher wear and tear. This pentagonal pattern and rugged rubber combination does provide great traction weather you are on the road or on the treadmill. 

The Cushioning is the highlight of the Zoom Fly story. Nike went all out with the Zoom Fly (just imagine what went in the Vapor 4% and Vapor Elite) to give us mere mortals a peek at Nike’s Breaking2 project. First, the whopping 33mm heel stack height of the Zoom Fly. This might be the thickest heel stack Nike has offered (or at least I've seen). This stack is just screaming cushioning and heel support. This is partnered with a 22mm forefoot stack giving a very nice 10mm heel to toe drop.  But Nike didn’t stop there, they sandwiched a Carbon infused Nylon plate that extends from heel to the forefoot between the EVA foam casing (outside) and the Lunarlon midsole. This combination gives a plush, spring-like support and an excellent heel to toe transition which in turn creates a push forward sensation. This gives the runner a feeling of effortlessly putting one foot in front of the other. The UA Anatomix Spawn 1 (which is a basketball shoe) had the same “rocker” profile and push forward sensation while running down the court. And I loved that pair! However, we've seen similar impact plates used on other running shoes particularly the Mizuno line. We've seen high heel stack with Hoka One One. And that "rocker" profile has been used with some of Skechers line. So Nike is not really breaking new ground here. Instead, they've taken what was already in the market put some of that Nike-tech and used it to improve their own running shoe line. And I think it works!

The only downside that I see in the Zoom Fly is the use of Lunarlon foam. Indeed it is one of the lightest cushioning that Nike has to offer but it also has a bad rep of "giving in" after some time. I don’t expect Nike to dramatically change the Lunarlon used in the heel to forefoot of the Zoom Fly. So expect your (and my) Zoom Fly to loose that responsive, springy feeling and transition once you hit the 200-300 miles of usage.

Overall I am very happy with my first run on the Nike Zoom Fly. I can’t remember the last time I was excited to run just because of a new pair of running kicks (I clearly remember not feeling that way when I got my Mizuno Wave Rider 20). I’m not a heavy distance runner, the longest distance I join are the 10km events (and that’s once or twice a year). I usually stay in the Sprint Distances of 3km and 5km. I think the Zoom Fly will be perfect in those distances as well as the run legs of Sprint and Standard triathlon events. 

You can visit Nike BGC, Runnr BGC and SecondWind The 30th Mall to try on the Zoom Fly and see for yourself. 

Mamba Out

The End for one of the greatest players to play the game. The Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant.

After 20 years, 1,346 games, almost 50,000 minutes played and 33,643 points scored -- Kobe played his final home game for the Purple and Gold against the Utah Jazz. He not only played he went out in typical Black Mamba style dropping 60 points and making the go ahead basket and winning his last and final NBA game.

To pay homage to the greatest player of an era, here's my simple collection of the Kobe signature line from 2005 to 20016

Zoom Kobe 1 - ASG
The first is always special. Although the Huarache 2K4 nad 2K5 were worn by Kobe the previous years, those did not have the "Kobe" mark. Thus, not the "first". These we're on the heavier side compared to the newer ones but it was a "Kobe" signature shoe. Excellent cushioning with dual Zoom Air bags. Flex grooves upfront similar to the 2K5. And a pronounced outrigger to prevent turning of the ankle.

Zoom Kobe 2 - USA
The Kobe 2 was the most interesting as it had 3 versions -- The Strength, The Sheath and The Lite. I had a chance to own all versions of the Zoom Kobe 2 and I have to admit that the Strength was my favorite. It was on the heavier side of the three but it also provided the best comfort when playing. One of the more popular colorway of the Kobe 2 Strength is the Orcas. It sported a Black Patent Leather with White and Purple accents that almost looked like Free Willy. I settled for the USA version of the Zoom Kobe 2 without the patent leather but the same comfort.

Zoom Kobe 3 MVP
The only NBA season that Kobe won an MVP had to be celebrated with a special shoe release. The Zoom Kobe 3 another first of it's kind with a "waffle"design on the upper. But the MVP version was something totally different. It sported a synthetic leather upper still with the waffle design and an MVP logo on the tongue. Only 60 pairs were released by Nike Philippines and I was luck enough to get a pair.

Zoom Kobe 4 Carpe Diem and Lower Merion Aces
This is where the Kobe signature line took a major turn and what a basketball shoe should be like. We were so used to high tops because it provides ankle support and manufacturers really only produced high tops. Then came the Zoom Kobe 4. The first low top basketball shoe that is being endorsed by one of the Superstars of the league. Is he out of his mind?!?!? It released and the rest is history. Oh and it also won Kobe's 4th ring.

Zoom Kobe 5 Big Stage/Five Rings
Nike followed up the ZK4 with another low top and more innovation Flywire was further developed. Lunarlon was adjusted to be firmer and not bottom out. Both Big Stage and Five Rings were not used by Kobe in game. Rather it was released as a "tribute" to the championship year that passed. The Big Stage was worn by Kobe during the Championship Parade and the Five Rings was released prior to the start of the 2015-16 season. Both had laser etching with different career numbers of The Black Mamba.

Zoom Kobe 6 Grinch
Christmas Game Day was becoming a marketing venue for shoe manufacturers. Players would wear their "Christmas Special" shoes for the additional exposure. Kobe and Nike was not to be outdone. After releasing Chaos on Christmas Day the year before the Kobe signature line debuted a cannot-miss-on-the-court volt/black/red colorway of the Kobe 6, The Grinch. With snake scale like upper overlayed on a set of flywire, lunarlon drop-in insole and the now expected TPU heel counter with the Kobe signature adorns this colorway of the Zoom Kobe 6

Zoom Kobe 7 ASG
After failing to win a championship Nike and Kobe looked at more inspiration for the Kobe 7 this time coming from predators in the Animal Kingdom like the Shark, Cheetah, Wolf, Mountain Lion, Poison Dart Frog and a host of other animals that prowls and hunts their prey. The main change in the Kobe VII was the interchangeable insole which you can go from Fast to Strong. The disappointing part for me was how it got heavier (by 3 ounces) and a harder material used for the upper with the Flywire. It took some time before this pair became comfortable to play in.

Zoom Kobe 8 ASG
After that disastrous interchangeable insole and upper, Nike came back with Engineered Mesh in the Kobe 8 with an additional Fuse layer for added support and durability. It was light, breathable and flexible. A full Lunarlon drop-in midsole was used which wraps your foot overtime but also bottomed out with wear and tear. I got the ASG pair because it provided the extra cushioning support with the Air Zoom heel and Lunarlon at the forefoot.

Zoom Kobe 9 Beethovens
After rapturing his achilles in the 8s, the Kobe signature went back to high tops -- and when I say high it was really high. The Kobe 9 reached a couple of inches above the ankle and almost seemed like the shoes were made for Manny Pacquiao. Nike eventually released the low top version with a Flyknit upper to go with it. It was an instant hit and became one of the sought after pairs in the Kobe 9 line.

Zoom Kobe 10 Ying Yang (NikeID)
The 10 is probably behind the 7 as my least liked Kobe signature shoe. Flyknit has become a standard upper for most basketball shoes (KD, LBJ etc.) but the change in the traction was a big disappointment. Although it was good but it wasn't Kobe 9 great. It continued with the Full Lunarlon midsole but introduced a volume Zoom Air heel.

Zoom Kobe 11 FTB
The shoe he wore on his last game, dropping 60 on the Jazz. You can't go out better than that! Part of the the Fade To Black package, the Black with Gold accented FTB 11 will be remembered for that Mamba Moment game and probably will be one of the most expensive Kobe pairs. Nike went back to the Air Zoom on the heel and Lunarlon forefoot combo in the 11s. Flyknit also go better with threaded TPU strands to give the upper more support but retain the flexibilty of Flyknit. Inscribed at the heel of the FTB 11 is the date "4.13.16", the last day The Black Mamba plays in the NBA.

Nike recently confirmed that the Kobe line will continue with the Kobe 12 set to release during the start of the 2016-17 season. Kobe may be out of the NBA but his performance shoe will always be in the conversation.

adidas CrazyLight Boost 2016

The last adidas that I wore were a pair of Superstar SS2G lows and that probably 10 year ago. That was the perfect pair for me considering we were playing outdoors so the traction, support and freedom of a low top rolled into a pair. On my third pair there was a change in the overall structure of the SS2G. Both the upper and cushioning became stiff (even if it had the same specs as my previous pairs) and I went on to sell them. I've stayed away from the 3 stripes for on-court shoes for the past decade.

Then Boost happened.

I've heard some great feedback on the UltraBoost that it was the most comfortable shoes that you can wear especially if you are visiting a theme park. I know it wasn't intended to be used that way but that's exactly what I was looking for. Another pair that received great lifestyle shoe feedback is the NMD, again having the same Boost cushioning. A friend bought the Wiggins 2.5 CrazyLight and gave it a thumbs up.

Finally a full length Boost releases with the CrazyLight Boost 2016 and I am not going to let this pass. I have to try what a lot of sneakerheads a raving about....Boost.

CUSHIONING
Let's start off with the main point of the review Cushioning = Boost. Make that Full Length Boost.
This technology is what put adidas back in the map in the lifestyle shoe wear and could challenge Nike and UA in the basketball shoe market.

The Boost cushioning is awesome! That should sum up the entire technology. From the first time I wore it until I was running and down the court. The cushioning was firm that it provides the needed support but soft that makes it very comfortable. My foot was a little higher to the ground than usual (comparing it with years of using Kobes) but it wasn't a deal breaker. The impact from jumping, stepping and running is easily absorbed by the Full Length Boost compound and it makes it an instant winner.

Full Length Boost

TRACTION
Aside from that Boost technology applied to this pair, traction is the other strength of the CrazyLight Boost 2016. I've seen adidas shoes (running, cross training, basketball etc.) with the Continental sole to pair with the Boost cushioning. The Triple White CrazyLight Boost 2016 has that same durable Continental paired with it. That plus the herringbone-like pattern provides the CrazyLight Boost 2016 excellent traction. I played on a smooth cement court but never had issues cutting, changing directions or stopping. No slipping and never had a hard time breaking into a sprint from complete stop. The grip was just awesome and could rival the Kobe 9. Now I have to test if I will get the same results on a wooden court.

Multi-directional Pattern

UPPER
My pair wasn't the Primeknit finish that rivals that Flyknit of Nike but I like the construction of the Jacquard upper. It gives the needed support on your entire forefoot and at the same time provides breathability to your feet. This is important especially in the Philippines where the weather can be hot.

The Primeknit might be more comfortable that the Jacquard bit I am satisfied with this.

Jacquard Upper

SUPPORT
Aside from the Boost cushioning there are other support areas provided in the CrazyLight Boost. One is lateral outrigger to cage the Boost on the forefoot and provide lateral support. It is not protruding like the KDs or Kobes but it gives enough lateral support when you need to shift from one side to another. The heel counter that is made of TPU ensures that there is a heel lockdown. This is supported by a neoprene collar for the added heel lockdown support. adidas threw in a torsional support that should give the wearer a better heel to toe transition. However, it wasn't as effective (at least for me) as the UA Anatomix 1/2. But this is a great additional support system -- especially for me -- to avoid my arch to collapse given the softness of Boost.

I did experience same heel slippage on my initial run. I felt like the shoe was going to come off while I was running or going to the basket. That neoprene collar definitely prevented that from happening. I re-laced my shoes giving it a little more tug. That helped secure my foot and remove the heel slippage.

TPU Heel Counter and Neoprene Collar

FIT
I initially ordered a Sz 9.5 which is my usual size in the Kobes. After fitting, I decided to go half a size smaller as the CrazyLight Boost 2016 seems to be running long. The forefoot area was a little narrow that expected when I started playing but did not cause any discomfort. After a couple of runs on the court I felt the fit to be much better than the start. I wore this with a pair of Nike Elite 1.0 socks and it was snug as I wanted it to be.

If you have wide feet you might want to go a half size bigger because it runs narrow on the forefoot. But you will have some space in the toe box area.

OVERALL
It was more than what I expected for a pair of adidas shoes. The Full Length Boost technology used was as advertised. Cushion and comfort but does not sacrifice support. As I've said earlier, traction is another strength of the shoe. It definitely beats the Kobe 11 in that area. The only negative I can say about this pair is that it's on the heavier side of a low top shoe.

If you are looking for a great performing low top shoe and the Kobe 11, KD9, Curry 2 and Lebron 13s have too much of a price tag then you can definitely pick a pair of the CrazyLight Boost 2016. It's currently retailing for P7,995 at www.titan22.com or any adidas store.

Under Armour Curry 1 - Performance Review

I can do all things....




This is what you'll usually see written on Steph Curry's shoes. The same quotation is inscribed in the 2015 3-point Shoot Out King's first signature shoes for Under Armour. Enter the Under Armour Curry 1.


Something old....

Micro G Cushioning
Perhaps one of the best (if not the best) cushioning in the basketball shoe industry today. The Micro G cushioning provides stability, support and excellent responsiveness. Similar to the Anatomix Spawn 1 and 2 as well as the ClutchFit Drive, the Curry 1 uses the Micro G as a primary cushioning system. If it is not broken why fix it.


Herringbone Traction


Taking it's queue from their excellent cushioning, UA used the same herringbone pattern found in the ClutchFit Drive in the Curry 1. This means no matter if you play indoors or outdoors you will have no problems cutting, shifting, stopping on the Curry 1.


Something new...

Charged Cushioning


Aside from the reliable Micro G, UA put another layer of foam called Charged. I honestly did not feel  any difference with the Charged layer added. Out of the box, the overall cushioning was actually stiff. But as I run more the cushioning that I am used to surfaced.


SC30 Heel Counter


One very noticeable difference in the Curry 1 is the (very) big heel counter. In the ClutchFit Drive Low there is only an outline of the heel clip. It provides support but doesn't lock your heel. The Curry 1 heel counter provides that lock down of the heel. I love how your foot doesn't move because the heel has moulded to the counter. Oh and there is a big SC30 embossed on that heel counter...talk about signature!


anaFoam


Aside from the heel counter, this is the other step up from UA for me. The ClutchFit was excellent with movement and flexibility but lacks in comfort and breathability (after continuous use). The anaFoam provides the breathability with it's fuse/foam material with lots of perforation for the air to go in and get out. No foot sweating with this upper. anaFoam was said to be lighter than CF but I did not notice it at all. The thing that I like about this is the flexibility that it provides during those sudden stops or cuts.


Support


I've been using low tops for at least 10 years and this is the first time that I am using a high top basketball shoe again. However, I did not lace it up until the top and left the last eyelet open. This provided me more movement on the ankles. But there is a significant support on the sides with the Curry 1 (which I don't have with the CFD Low). Aside from this, the lateral outrigger is more noticeable with the Curry 1. This provides another layer of support to the Curry 1 and prevent that ankle from rolling over outwards.





This is a great first signature shoe for Stephen Curry and it will be interesting to see how they will out perform this in the succeeding releases of the Curry line.

I'm very much looking forward to the release of the  low top version of the Curry 1

ClutchFit Drive Low - Elite 24

UA has slowly been upping their shoe game in the Philippines to compete with basketball household names like Nike and Adidas. Signing a high profile All Star in Steph Curry has definitely stamped their full arrival in the basketball shoe game. Opening stores in BGC and SM Megamall adds to the Baltimore based manufacturer's presence here in the Philippines.

One of the signature shoes from UA released in 2014 was the ClutchFit Drive Low which was showcased during the Elite 24 on the blacktop court of Brooklyn in August. The Elite 24 game featured the top 24 high school preps suiting up for a pick up game in front of basketball fans, college coaches and scouts all brandished in their UA gear from head to toe. Unfortunately for us the ClutchFit Drive Low was never released in the Philippines. Only the Steph Curry endorsed high tops made it our local UA stores and other retail outlets (Titan, Planet Sports and Toby's). Fortunately for me, I have a hook up who was able to grab a pair and ship it to Manila for this review. Let's get it on.

Cushioning - Micro G

UA used the Micro G cushioning technology on the ClutchFit Drive Low. Micro G, like the Lunarlon on the Kobe line, provides a low to the ground profile for that quick change in pace and direction. However, I will give Micro G the slight upper hand because it is firmer and doesn't bottom out over time. There is a bounce in UA's cushioning system that it makes it effortless to land and rebound (responsiveness). And it looks like Under Armour did not sacrifice anything over their cushioning technology as it is still slim and extremely light.

Traction - Herringbone Pattern

One of the best features I love about UA basketball shoes (particularly the Anatomix Spawn Low and the ClutchFit Drive Low) is their traction. The grip on a wooden court is excellent. The well spaced multi directional herringbone pattern of the sole make for those sudden stops or when you want to do that quick cross over. And I say "well spaced" because the sole doesn't accumulate dirt and is easy to clean. Traction on outdoor courts (and I mean the cement courts in our barangay) is no different with the grip indoors. 

Support - Heel Clip 

I've been using low tops since the Kobe IV and have favored the recent UA low tops as well. There is definitely less support in using low tops but this pair still provides plenty of support in all other areas. UA added the heel clip counter to provide that extra support. A flat base and low to the ground Micro G also helps provide that stability. However, the Micro G insole doesn't have that molded arch which might not be the best for flatfooted players. A very small outrigger on the lateral side of the forefoot provides some additional support when cutting. The material used on the upper also provides added stability to show as is snugs your foot in place. One downside of the CFD Low is the lock down of the heel clip. I felt that it does not provide that lock down similar to what the Kobe 8 provides. 

Upper - ClutchFit

That material that I referred to earlier is UA's newest upper technology, the ClucthFit, which was laid around the shoe. ClutchFit is a light material that is supposed to act as a second skin which wraps around your foot for that perfect fit. And I can say that it is as advertised. I initially thought that this will be like the Kobe 7 where the upper is really hard and hurt my foot when cutting or stopping. ClutchFit was definitely nothing like that -- it molded to my foot and flexed when needed. 

Final Word

For most people the UA CFD runs true to size but that is not the case for me. I normally wear a US 9.5 on the Kobe line and when paired with the Elite Socks they fit perfectly. So I got the US 9.5 of the CFD-L and there was some space in the toe box even if I use thicker than usual socks. The extra space is a welcome though due to the lack of the shoe's ventilation. I will definitely get a US 9 when the next colorway is released this month (January 2015).

As I mentioned, my initial concern was the lack of ventilation due to the use of ClutchFit technology on the upper. This material doesn't have any mesh or perforation for the feet to breathe. The only area where your feet can take in some air is the tongue which is made of mesh. In the Philippines where it is hot and humid it is a definite cause for concern. I've used my ClutchFit Drive Low on may occasions, in different courts (indoor and outdoor) and in different Manila weather (hot and humid, extremely hot and humid as well as a little cold) but I've never experienced any blistering of chaffing on my feet. The mesh tongue is more than enough to provide your feet some needed air to last a full game.

My other knock on the CluthcFit Drive Low is the heel to toe transition. The Anatomix Spawn Low is noticeably better in this area. The ClutchFit Drive Low doesn't propel you forward and a little more effort is needed in making those fastbreak dash.  

The ClucthFit Drive Low is on my usual rotation as it provides traction, cushion and comfort. The high top version is most likely the same with the added support on the ankles. Hands down this is one of the best performance shoes for 2014.

Kobe X - Leaked Photos

Early pictures of the Kobe X have surfaced all over the net which is rumored to release in February leading in to the All Star games. Nothing has been officially confirmed if these are the actual Kobe X but all signs point to this being the next in the Kobe signature line.

Based on the leaked photos the Kobe X will debut in a low top silhouette. It ditches the Engineered Mesh and will be replaced by a fuse-like material for the upper. It will also move away from Lunarlon and instead have a translucent sole where you can see the zoom air bags (I am glad they are going with Zoom Air).  Nike also did away with the pressure mapping sole which provided excellent traction. The heel counter doesn't extend to the sides of the heel like the Kobe 6, 7 and 8. It's a diamond shaped heel counter similar to what we've seen in the Kobe 5.

A lot of Kobe signature line followers are on the fence with the Kobe X because of the change in technology (no more Flywire, Flyknit and Lunarlon). But I am still expecting these next Kobe signature shoes to be one of the best performing shoes of 2015.

Here are the upcoming release dates and colorways of the Kobe X

Nike Kobe 10 (X)
Blue Lagoon/Black-Vapor Green
705317-403
February 7, 2015

Nike Kobe 10 (X)
Black/Multicolor-Volt
742549-097
February 14, 2015

Nike Kobe 10 (X)
Poison Green/Sequoia-Volt
705317-333
February 14, 2015

Images courtesy of @kb824, @fyk7 and @retro_1h77

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.