We’d all like to have the abilities of Michael Jordan on the court right? Sadly, it’s not quite as easy as just attaining the skill to build an unparalleled career in the NBA and basketball (not so much baseball). What you can do with relative ease is buy some Jordan Basketball shoes to get a little bit closer to the iconic Chicago Bulls shooting guard.
While often noted as ‘Jordans’ the official name is still known as ‘Air Jordan’. The brand started life as an additional line to the Nike range in 1984. The initial products were casual sneakers with basketball-inspired designs and look. By the early 1990s, the shoe range had already built rich acclaim with Jordan himself wearing the Air Jordan IV when he made ‘the shot’ in 1989. After which popularity grew as the products were regularly placed on television notably on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Slam Dunk – a Japanese basketball anime.
Jordan's Basketball Shoes - What to consider when buying?
So, what do you consider when opting to buy Jordan basketball shoes? Just like any other footwear, your comfort is key. It might be the coolest shoe in the store, but if not you’re not comfortable in it or your foot isn’t well supported, you won’t be playing much basketball before you get a severe injury.
Think about your feet and what you need from a shoe to play basketball. There’s no golden rule to what everyone needs in a shoe to maximise on-court performance. Speaking in general, balance is very important. There are however hundreds of shoes out there which claim to assist with transition players, jumping/elevation. We’ve tried to narrow down the field to our favourite seven so you can pick the best shoe for you.
Top 7 Best Jordan Basketball Shoes
Crafted with the 2019 number one pick in mind, the Jordan Zion 1 displays the athletic abilities expected of New Orleans Pelicans’ power forward and 2021 NBA All-Star, Zion Williamson. While the shoes alone won’t propel you to the All-Star Game, the reliable traction will certainly sharpen your tools to get there.
A contemporary all-rounder, the Jordan Zion 1 offers amazing plush comfort with extensive padding with Air Strobel cushioning throughout the shoe. The Zion 1 also takes advantage of a Zoom Air Unit to maximise height, while still offering great court stability.
The only remark and key downfall are that some users have reported the sizing can be an issue with the shape/design of the shoe’s interior and cushioning. That said, those who do get their foot with ease will find this feels like an extension of one’s foot given the superb comfort.
Otherwise keeping the shoe on indoor courts is very advisable, while it will survive a few hoops outside the lifespan of the shoe will significantly drop if used out in the wild extensively.
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The ‘Jordan One Take 2’ came off the back of the popular original; so there was noticeable excitement for this to be as good or even better. Casually known as Russell Westbrook’s takedown (otherwise known as a budget) range; this range is an amazing introduction for new ballers or those conscious of spending.
The padding on the ankle offers great protection for an entry-level shoe. This makes it an ideal purchase for the very casual players who like to shoot the occasional hoop on a Sunday. The tongue and upper parts are very well ventilated so your feet can breathe, and most users will have no issue finding a good fit.
The aesthetics of the shoe are like a contemporary running shoe, giving it that unique exercise-fashion appeal. Combine that with a variety of different color combinations and you’ve got a very stylish shoe for multiple audiences.
While there might be concerns about the material quality and lifespan, the target market for this shoe isn’t the season ballers and casual users should still get a decent life from the shoe. Several reviews however believe the original ‘Take One’ to be a superior shoe.
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LA Lakers’ Russell Westbrook’s signature series has seldom disappointed with good shoe after good shoe. The ‘Why Not Zer0.4’ continues the great form with consistently hot reviews since its release last year. The lightweight feel allows great movement while concurrently offering stability and explosive power in the jump. The mesh grid design is fashionable and comes in a multitude of colorways to suit all tastes and sizes considering the great reliability with the fits.
While you might not be able to reach Russel Westbrook speed on the court, this shoe will certainly point you in the right direction with its double Zoom unit and responsive cushioning system, designed to help you motor around the court.
What is also notable with this shoe is the almost instant response to use. The break-in period is reported as almost non-existent, so you can practically play in them straight away.
The only caveat is that the sole traction on the court is a little below par when compared to the contemporary standard, especially considering this isn’t a cheap purchase.
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The Air Jordan XXXVI or more casually, the Air Jordan 36 is most certainly a top-end basketball shoe. The terrific traction makes this shoe really useful for players who like to travel the court. The design is truly a work of art with a slight running shoe inspiration instead of a bulky shoe which is very common these days.
The cushioning is widely seen as a plus-point as the shoe provides excellent comfort, however, the excessiveness of the plush can make for a narrower fit. If you have a wider foot or prefer a roomier shoe, consider trying on a few different sizes to ensure it works for you.
One of the most popular variations is the Rui Hachimura scheme in red, black and white – which perfectly fits his Washington Wizards uniform. This pair is quite sought after, but very stylish.
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The 2020 edition of the primary Air Jordan series put itself into that god-level tier of basketball shoes. The Air Jordan 35 was initially expected to just be an update to the popular 34 model, but quickly became known as a very handsome upgrade. In fact, the shoe has made some history with the Zoom Air cushioning system to be placed in both the forefront and heel for the first time.
While the price could be seen as expensive this shoe does go some way to justify the price tag with its high-quality materials which provide a comfy and well-supported fit. The Zoom Air unit in the heel has a larger span, giving great responsiveness to the on-court action.
While the midsole arch is very fashionable, some users have reported it can be an uncomfortable/unusual fit; but most feel the cushioning is enough to quash any issues. It’s worth checking out first, however. One other note is that these shoes should be strictly reserved for indoor use only as they just won’t survive on concrete courts at all.
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The Westbrook economy line has seldom disappointed and here is another example of how the budget designs don’t have to compromise style or performance. The traction offered by the Jordan One Take 3 shoe compares to much higher price tag shoes while the plush cushioning locks the foot for control.
The only significant issue with this model is that the sizes tend to run narrower than expected, so it is worth trying out a few sizes to be sure it fits your feet just right.
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Named after the brand image itself the ‘Jumpman’ comes alive with another great addition to what is quickly becoming one of the hotter ranges in the Air Jordan portfolio.
The latest Jordan Jumpman 2021 keeps up the series trend with great performance and comfort. This shoe has been touted as one of the best for veteran ballers or players who generally have to take greater care of their legs. The deep cushioning minimizes adverse impact, the back supports the whole foot yet the shoe remains relatively lightweight; so it won’t hinder on-court movement.
Some Jordan fans remember the 2020 edition wasn’t incredibly durable, but the materials have most certainly had an upgrade here as they feel tough yet reactive to movement. The price point for this quality shoe offers great value with it being incredibly affordable in what is a premium brand. Don’t even think about outdoor use however as they won’t last outside.
Be sure to keep checking the site, as the Jordan Jumpman 2022 release is real soon – and we’ll detail whether it keeps up the quality of this impressive line.
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Conclusion
All seven of the above shoes are great options to play basketball in and will certainly make you look the part even if you’re not a born-baller. Consider your game and where you play.
If you really don’t want to break the bank when buying basketball shoes then consider the Jordan One Take 2 as it is the most moderately priced on our list. But for just a few dollars more the Jordan Jumpman 2021 offers quite a bit more value – as well it’s great for those who need to take extra care of their legs after years of throwing hoops.
Should style be just as important as substance to you, then the Air Jordan 35 is an incredibly fashionable basketball shoes that not only look good but perform exceptionally well on the court.
Frequently Asked Questions:
This is a very subjective question with no definitive answer. Michael Jordan is considered by many to be the best basketballer ever. These days however some might say that LeBron James is better and is playing in a more competitive environment. This is the same type of conjecture you’ll be faced within this debate.
If you like the brand and design of Jordans, do it and enjoy what is most certainly a great designer and manufacturer of basketball shoes.
Why should I buy Jordan over another brand?
If you like them! Again, there’s no definitive answer as to why X brand is better than Y brand. Air Jordan has the advantage of having years of experience in the market and being named after a sports legend who is known all over the world.
When looking for the Best Jordans to play basketball in, remember that Jordan is a premium brand. The quality of the product is usually evident. What does however come with this is the cost of materials and grandeur to rock the company image. Be prepared to spend over the average price, but more often than not the quality does merit the money.
Hey, I’m Aleksandar and I am a Basketball freak! That is why I decided to create this blog. Teaching people How to dunk a basketball and How to Jump Higher in this sport or other related sports that require vertical jumping, is my specialty. If that’s your aim, then you have come to the right place.