Verdict from 6 experts and 100+ user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- According to most testers, the Nike Mamba Focus’ outsole is quite durable. They claim that these low-top basketball shoes are an excellent outdoor option.
- Nearly all reviewers note that the stiff midsole is relatively responsive and provides plenty of court feel.
- Almost all testers agree that the materials are the best feature of the Mamba Focus. According to them, the materials look premium and provide a signature feel.
- Most players have nothing to complain about the shoe’s support and lockdown.
- A tester comments that these low-top basketball shoes feel fast and minimal on-feet.
- Nearly all buyers are digging the shoe’s silhouette. They are claiming that these low-top Nike basketball shoes make for great casual sneakers.
3 reasons not to buy
- Most players are disappointed at the Mamba Focus’ traction. These Nike basketball shoes just can’t get a good bite even when playing on clean courts.
- The cushioning is almost rock hard, nearly all testers gripe. There is virtually no compression and bounce.
- A reviewer gripes that the materials look cheap.
Bottom line
For a Kobe model, the Nike Mamba Focus is just a disappointment on the court. The shoe’s fit, cushioning, and traction are just terrible. The only good things going for these low-top basketball shoes are its premium feeling materials and sleek style.
Even though the Mamba focus retails for just a hundred bucks, testers are in agreement that these budget basketball shoes are simply not worth copping. There are other signature shoes near its price point (like the Nike PG3 and Adidas Dame 5) that deliver far better results on the hardwood.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Good to know
Similar to LeBron James’s Soldiers and Kyrie Irving’s Flytraps, Kobe Bryant’s Mamba series gives die-hard fans a chance to own a Kobe basketball shoe at a much affordable price.
In 2019, Nike continues Bryant’s budget-friendly line with the launch of the Mamba Focus. These Kobe Bryant basketball shoes emulate the Black Mamba’s metamorphosis and allow you to recreate the Black Mamba’s signature moves on the court.
The Mamba Focus’ embossed upper provides control and stability. The shoe’s low-profile outsole is designed to keep you close to the hardwood to optimize your ability to step back, create some separation, and elevate (one of Bryant’s most devastating moves on the court).
Cushion. The Mamba Focus is designed to provide increased energy return as you give it your all on the court.
These low-top Nike basketball shoes are equipped with a Phylon midsole with a forefoot Zoom Air unit. This cushioning setup provides responsive reaction and cushions against hard landings.
Traction. The Nike Mamba Focus boasts a Mamba-inspired traction pattern that allows the wearer to move quickly in any direction. The low-profile outsole also helps you maintain a good feel for the court.
Length and Width. Testers claim that the Nike Mamba Focus runs narrow at the forefoot. Wide-footers are advised to try the shoes in-store first if possible.
Lockdown. The Mamba Focus features a lace-up closure that provides a locked-in fit. An external heel cage and molded Swoosh-shaped framework provide lightweight support and containment.
Like the Nike Kobe 6, the Nike Mamba Focus has an embossed, snakeskin-like upper that optimizes stability and containment.
The Mamba Focus features a low-top design that offers lightweight support without restricting ankle movement.
The Nike Mamba Focus emulates a snake’s metamorphosis. The embossed upper is an ode to Bryant shedding his skin to become the lethal Black Mamba on the hardwood. TPU eyelets shaped like snake eyes complete the Mamba-inspired theme.
The budget-friendly Kobe basketball shoes are available in the following color options:
- Black/Anthracite/White
- Black/Black/Anthracite/Opti Yellow
- Black/Dark Grey/White/Black
- University Red/Anthracite/Black/White
- White/Gum Light Brown/Black
Nike Mamba Focus ‘Big Stage’
In 2010, Nike basketball commemorated Kobe Bryant’s last Finals appearance by releasing a set of Kobe 5s dubbed the ‘Big Stage.’ In 2019, the colorway makes a splash in the Mamba Focus.
The Nike Mamba Focus ‘Big Stage’ features a white upper with gold accents. A translucent outsole completes the shoe’s NBA Finals-inspired look.
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