Verdict from 6 experts and 20 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Like the fifth Nike Kyrie, the cushioning setup is ideal for quick guards, nearly all testers comment.
- Some buyers are just happy with the overall quality and performance of these basketball sneakers, stating it’s a great shoe for its price.
- Despite being a low-top, most testers are pleased that the Nike Kobe Mentality 2 provides excellent support and lockdown. Players are reporting that the 2018 version of the Nike Kobe AD delivers the same level of support.
- Several purchasers are commending the shoe’s stylish design.
- Many wearers appreciate how comfortable and light these shoes feel on their feet.
- The traction is just awesome, the majority of the testers remark. They say it performs well on any type of court surface, under any condition.
3 reasons not to buy
- Most testers note that the Lunarlon cushioning feels dead after a few wears, and it also lacks impact protection.
- The Nike KB Mentality 2 only lasted a few months, a handful of buyers complain. They are claiming that the upper tears quickly.
- The back of the shoe digs into the Achilles, a couple of wearers warn.
Bottom line
In terms of appearance, the Nike Kobe Mentality 2 has a striking resemblance to the first Kobe Mentality, but it actually outperforms its predecessor. With some minor tweaks, Nike was able to create an affordable team model. Although there’s nothing unique or spectacular about these basketball sneakers from Nike, some say that this model delivers a better on-court performance than its signature shoe counterparts.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 97/100 by WearTesters
- 80/100 by LiveforBball
- 95/100 by AminoApps
- 80/100 by WearTesters
Video reviews
Good to know
As basketball shoes that are upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of Kobe Bryant’s game, the Kobe Mentality 2 features Nike’s Flyweave technology for better on-court performance. The Flyweave upper molds to your foot and quickly adapts to your every movement.
Cushion. The Nike Kobe Mentality 2 features an asymmetrical midsole carrier that enhances control. Aside from that, a drop-in Lunarlon foam delivers soft and responsive cushioning.
Traction. Sculpted for enhanced court feel and flexibility, the durable rubber outsole also features a radiating herringbone pattern that mimics a snake’s underbelly. This traction pattern provides optimum court grip, enabling slick movements.
Length and Width. Wearers report that the Nike Kobe Mentality 2 is narrow at the forefoot area. Regular and narrow-footers are advised to go up half a size. Wide-footers are urged to try the shoes in-store first before purchasing.
Lockdown. Delivering a superior one-to-one fit is a partial cleatie construction made of stretch mesh. This half-length inner sleeve creates a sock-like feel and a customizable fit.
The Phylon midsole carrier is lower on the medial side, adding lateral stability and providing locked-in support.
Now featuring Flyweave, the Nike Kobe Mentality 2 adapts to your every movement. The Flyweave upper is tuned to deliver ultralight and flexible support. It is designed to move with you when you perform quick moves such as cuts and pivots.
With a silhouette that works both on and off the court, Nike reflected on past Kobe models and decided on a lightweight low-cut design that optimizes performance.
The Kobe Mentality 2 debuts in a black, silver, and grey colorway. The panels have a unique design while the tongue and Swoosh are treated with a reptile-like texture. The Kobe logo is displayed on the tongue and the two-toned Phylon midsole carrier.
The Kobe Mentality line has been an affordable option for Kobe fans not willing to drop big bucks for his signature sneakers.
With Kobe Bryant retiring at the end of the 2015-2016 NBA season, a lot of attention has been placed on every Kobe release. While fans and sneakerheads are waiting for the Kobe 11, Nike released the Kobe Mentality 2 to satisfy their craving.
How Kobe Mentality 2 compares
