The Air Jordan 1 is the most iconic basketball shoe of all time and started a signature line that is still going strong today - more than 35 years later! Today, Jordan Brand is generating over $3 billion in revenue per year, accounting for 8% of Nike's overall sales.
While a large part of this revenue comes from re-releasing older Air Jordan models like the coveted Air Jordan 11 "Concords", Jordan Brand is still releasing some of the best performance basketball shoes on the market.
In this article, we are going to focus on the currently available Jordans that perform the best on the hardwood.
Best Jordans Shoes to Play Basketball in:
- 9.2 rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The Jordan 36 Low performs almost identically to the Jordan 36.
- Awesome shoe for players with explosive play styles looking for the extra lift when jumping.
- 8.6 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Air Jordan 38 takes a step forward with improved support. The traction and cushioning are also solid.
- This is a perfect shoe for players looking for maximalist containment.
- 8.5 rating based on 11 expert reviews
- The Jordan Luka 1 offers fantastic traction and tons of lateral support.
- Recommended for players that use a lot of side steps and other lateral movements.
- 8.4 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Jordan Zoom Separate is a great option for specific types of players.
- Best for forefoot heavy players that need the cushion.
- 8.3 rating based on 9 expert reviews
- Luka Doncic's second shoe sees improvements to the lockdown and support.
- Guards and wings who make quick cuts and stepbacks will benefit the most from this shoe.
- 8.3 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Jordan 37 Low offers the same performance as the 37 for a lower price.
- A perfect selection for players who want bouncy cushioning in a low-top shoe.
- 8.3 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Air Jordan 37 is a top performer with bouncy forefoot cushioning and strong materials.
- Recommended for forefoot-heavy players looking for a bouncy setup
- 8.3 rating based on 9 expert reviews
- The Jordan Zion 2 is a supportive shoe with traction to boot.
- Recommended for players that rely on lateral cuts and movements.
- 8.3 rating based on 3 expert reviews
- Russell Westbrook's fourth signature shoe is a pretty good all-around performer.
- Great for players who like forefoot Zoom and don't make a lot of lateral moves.
- 8.1 rating based on 2 expert reviews
- The Jordan One Take 4 is a decently performing shoe with reliable traction.
- Players who mainly play outdoors and prefer responsive cushioning will enjoy this shoe.
- 8.0 rating based on 2 expert reviews
- The Jordan One Take 3 delivers quality performance for the Westbrook budget line.
- Anyone looking for a price-conscious shoe without sacrificing anything performance-wise.
- 8.0 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- Zion's first signature shoe is a solid all-around performer.
- A very versatile shoe that will work for most players.
- 7.9 rating based on 10 expert reviews
- The Jordan Tatum 1 is a unique initial signature for Jayson Tatum, where the cushioning excels.
- A good pickup for bouncy players looking for a lightweight shoe.
- 7.9 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- Russell Westbrook's latest shoe with Jordan Brand, the Why Not Zer0.6, is a sturdy performing shoe, especially on clean courts.
- A great pickup for players with straight-line speed and explosiveness.
- 7.8 rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The Jordan Why Not .5 implements a solid cushioning setup.
- Players that enjoy the feeling of forefoot Zoom.
Best Jordans for Basketball
1. Air Jordan 36 Low
Performance Rating:
9.2
The Jordan 36 Low performs almost identically to the Jordan 36.Overall rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
More comfortable fit than the regular 36
Amazing traction
Cons:
Does not contain as well as the regular 36
Slight heel slippage
What do the experts think?
Jordan Brand's low-top version of its mainline shoe has an identical traction pattern but uses a solid rubber compound. It performs pretty much the same, which is to say it's great.
The cushion also remains the same. It's bouncy and is potentially the best setup on the market.
Some reviewers feel that the Low fits slightly better than the regular 36 because of the materials.
The support is solid and hard to beat for a low-top, but some reviewers mentioned experiencing heel slippage.
Overall, the Jordan 36 Low is just as good a choice for a performance basketball shoe as the mid-top version.
2. Air Jordan 38
Performance Rating:
8.6
The Air Jordan 38 takes a step forward with improved support. The traction and cushioning are also solid.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Improved containment and stability
Comfortable full-length Zoom Strobel
Cons:
Price is expensive
Outsole durability
What do the experts think?
The latest entry in Jordan Brand's signature lineup improves on the previous Air Jordan 37.
The traction grip is elite, but the rubber wears away quickly. It's not suited for outdoor use.
Jordan Brand uses a full-length Zoom Strobel combined with Cushlon 3.0. It provides a comfortable and bouncy cushioning setup.
Support is much improved this year. The lockdown and containment keep you stable and secure.
The materials are comfortable and breathable. The upper feels more traditional in terms of materials.
Jordan Brand paid attention to the details with the Air Jordan 38. The shoe is more reliable and secure this year.
3. Jordan Luka 1
Performance Rating:
8.5
The Jordan Luka 1 offers fantastic traction and tons of lateral support.Overall rating based on 11 reviews
Pros:
The traction bites hard
Offers plenty of support
Cons:
Materials aren't the most breathable
What do the experts think?
Luka Doncic's first signature shoe with Jordan Brand delivers an outstanding traction experience. It feels tacky and bites hard in all directions.
The use of Jordan Brand's new Formula 23 foam feels like an upgrade from React. Reviewers mention that the cushioning feels low-to-the-ground and responsive.
For support, the side pods and the unique shank plate implemented in the shoe keep you contained while also offering some bounce back.
Most reviewers agreed that the materials perform well and feel comfortable on your feet.
Overall, the Jordan Luka 1 is an admirable first entry into the signature shoe landscape for Luka Doncic.
4. Jordan Zoom Separate
Performance Rating:
8.4
The Jordan Zoom Separate is a great option for specific types of players.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Forefoot support is outstanding
Great cushion toward the front of the shoe
Cons:
Materials are not of the best quality
What do the experts think?
The Jordan Zoom Separate is the latest budget-friendly model in the Jordan brand lineup.
It has grippy traction that plays well on most court surfaces.
Cushioning is the aspect of the shoe that stands out the most. The air unit in the forefoot makes this shoe great for forefoot-heavy players looking for impact protection.
Materials aren't the most durable, but they get the job done.
These are supportive and stable underfoot. The wide base of the shoe and outrigger helps, and the lacing setup allows for extra customization.
As a whole, the Jordan Zoom Separate is a strong option to consider for anyone on a budget. It'll be a favourite for players that move a lot on the front of their feet since the cushioning caters to that type of playstyle.
5. Jordan Luka 2
Performance Rating:
8.3
Luka Doncic's second shoe sees improvements to the lockdown and support.Overall rating based on 9 reviews
Pros:
Support and lockdown are outstanding
Beefed up materials improve comfort
Cons:
Inner padding becomes soggy over time
Increased weight from the first shoe
What do the experts think?
Luka Doncic's second signature shoe with Jordan Brand features impressive cushioning on clean courts, especially during lateral cuts. However, dust can be a problem.
Jordan Brand improved the comfort of the Formula 23 foam. It feels softer for impact protection, and the forefoot feels bouncy.
Support and lockdown are the star features among reviewers. The heel counter is beefy, and the lacing system creates excellent security.
The materials see the most change from the previous model. The comfort is improved, but this also causes the weight to increase.
Overall, the Jordan Luka 2 takes a step in the right direction, specifically catering to Luka's play style well.
6. Air Jordan 37 Low
Performance Rating:
8.3
The Jordan 37 Low offers the same performance as the 37 for a lower price.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Bouncy cushioning setup
Grippy traction on clean courts
Cons:
Traction picks up dust easily
Slightly narrow fit
What do the experts think?
The traction is grippy, especially on clear courts, but it can pick up dust quickly. Make sure to wipe.
It seems to be a consensus among reviewers that the cushioning is explosive and bouncy.
The materials don't feel premium but are still breathable and keep you contained within the shoe.
Support and lockdown aren't an issue either. No reviewers reported any containment issues.
Some reviewers describe the Jordan 37 Low as similar to a low-top Kyrie model. The traction is strong, and the cushion is bouncy, especially under the forefoot.
7. Air Jordan 37
Performance Rating:
8.3
The Air Jordan 37 is a top performer with bouncy forefoot cushioning and strong materials.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Bouncy forefoot cushioning
Materials are strong for performance
Cons:
Materials are not premium
Heel cushioning could be better
What do the experts think?
Jordan Brand switches up the traction to look more like the traction on the Zion 1, but the performance is still there.
The double-stacked Zoom Strobel and Zoom Air unit in the forefoot provide plenty of bounce and responsiveness. Meanwhile, the heel cushioning is Formula 23, and it feels caged.
All reviewers agree that the materials are not premium but excel in all performance aspects.
The fit is improved compared to last year's Air Jordan 36. It accommodates slightly wide feet better.
The support features are all there too. The materials work well to keep the foot contained during play.
The latest mainline Jordan, the Air Jordan 37, offers innovative performance and has plenty of features to love.
8. Jordan Zion 2
Performance Rating:
8.3
The Jordan Zion 2 is a supportive shoe with traction to boot.Overall rating based on 9 reviews
Pros:
Solid traction
Support and lockdown are on point
Cons:
Kind of heavy
Not the most breathable materials
What do the experts think?
The Jordan Zion 2 plays with consistent traction, especially on clean courts.
The cushioning is responsive but also bouncy. It felt well-balanced, although not the most plush.
Reviewers had split opinions on the materials. Some liked that the materials were durable and provided extra support, but others felt the shoe was not breathable or flexible.
The reviewers agreed that the support and lockdown were one of the better, more consistent features. The strap, in particular, does a good job of locking you into the shoe.
Overall, the Jordan Zion 2 performs well for players who make a lot of hard cuts.
9. Jordan Why Not Zero.4
Performance Rating:
8.3
Russell Westbrook's fourth signature shoe is a pretty good all-around performer.Overall rating based on 3 reviews
Pros:
Solid support
Bouncy forefoot cushioning
Cons:
Inconsistent traction
Materials could be more premium
What do the experts think?
The traction on Russell Westbrook's 4th signature shoe is decent on linear moves but has trouble on lateral movements. Overall it is pretty inconsistent especially on dust.
The cushion features super bouncy double-stacked Zoom units in the forefoot. The court feel isn't great but still good enough.
The wild mix of different materials doesn't feel very premium to the touch but they conform to your feet well and get the job done performance-wise.
Go true to size and you should get a comfortable fit with minimal dead space in the toe box.
The support is great all-around and has you covered for lateral stability and containment.
Overall the Why Not Zero.4 is a solid performer, with the only downside being the inconsistent traction.
10. Jordan One Take 4
Performance Rating:
8.1
The Jordan One Take 4 is a decently performing shoe with reliable traction.Overall rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
Durable performing traction
Reactive cushioning
Cons:
Not much impact protection
Cheap materials
What do the experts think?
For performance, reviewers ranked the traction of the One Take 4 as the best feature. The herringbone pattern is grippy and stable.
The cushioning is not plush, and there isn't much impact protection, but it is responsive.
The materials on the shoe feel cheap and flimsy. Although, performance isn't affected too negatively.
There were no complaints about support and lockdown. The stability held up well too.
Overall, the Jordan One Take 4 is a decent performance shoe. The traction stands out, and it's budget-friendly.
11. Jordan One Take 3
Performance Rating:
8.0
The Jordan One Take 3 delivers quality performance for the Westbrook budget line.Overall rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
The traction is nice and grippy
Lightweight and responsive feeling shoe
Cons:
Snug and narrow fit
What do the experts think?
The traction performs much better than expected for a budget model. It bites nicely on clean courts and handles dust well on dirtier courts. Minimal wiping gets the job done.
Reviewers were also pleasantly surprised by the cushioning in this model. The forefoot Zoom unit makes the shoe fun to play in.
Although the materials feel like plastic, they do not hamper the shoe's performance at all.
The shoe also has no issues with support and lockdown. It provides solid lateral containment while still feeling stable.
The Jordan One Take 3 is a perfect example of a budget model done right.
12. Jordan Zion 1
Performance Rating:
8.0
Zion's first signature shoe is a solid all-around performer.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Large outrigger & very supportive
Well balanced cushioning
Cons:
Materials feel a little cheap in hand
Padding on the tongue is a little lacking
What do the experts think?
At Duke, Zion Williamson once destroyed a shoe in-game when his foot ripped through the upper material. The Zion 1 comes with one of the most extreme lateral outriggers ever in a basketball shoe to prevent another accident like this.
The traction pattern is very sticky on clean courts, but is a little bit of a dust magnet and needs consistent wiping on dirty courts.
The cushioning is well-balanced with a soft foam midsole, Air Strobel, and forefoot Zoom unit. It's not overly bouncy but provides impact protection and feels very smooth when transitioning from heel to toe.
The materials are thin, soft, and get the job done but they definitely don't look or feel premium.
Overall, the Zion 1 is a solid and affordable first signature sneaker that works for all player types.
13. Jordan Tatum 1
Performance Rating:
7.9
The Jordan Tatum 1 is a unique initial signature for Jayson Tatum, where the cushioning excels.Overall rating based on 10 reviews
Pros:
Comfortable materials
Bouncy and responsive cushioning
Cons:
Dust affects the traction
Bizarre support setup
What do the experts think?
Jayson Tatum's first signature shoe introduces a unique traction setup that reviewers called inconsistent. It performs on clean courts, but dust causes issues.
The cushioning was universally praised, by reviewers, for being bouncy underneath the forefoot and comfortable under the heel.
The materials are light, breathable, and comfortable.
There are no performance issues with the shoe's support, but reviewers said the setup is bizarre and feels weird under the arch.
Overall, the Jordan Tatum 1 is still a solid first shoe in Tatum's line. It's the lightest Jordan shoe, and the Zoom Air delivers.
14. Jordan Why Not Zero.6
Performance Rating:
7.9
Russell Westbrook's latest shoe with Jordan Brand, the Why Not Zer0.6, is a sturdy performing shoe, especially on clean courts.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Traction performs on clean courts
Sturdy materials
Cons:
Traction needs break-in time
Fits long
What do the experts think?
The Jordan Why Not Zer0.6 provides solid traction on clean courts, but dust can be an issue. The performance requires a break-in period, though.
Its cushioning is comfortable, and the forefoot Zoom unit is noticeable.
The materials create a supportive environment and help fortify the shoe. You feel sturdy and locked in.
The shoe is stable, and there are no lateral containment issues. However, some reviewers feel the extra space in the forefoot made them less secure.
Russell Westbrook's latest shoe is a solid choice for players who thrive on fluid up-and-down movement along the court.
15. Jordan Why Not Zero.5
Performance Rating:
7.8
The Jordan Why Not .5 implements a solid cushioning setup.Overall rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Zoom unit feels nice
Cons:
Poor performing traction
Quality of the materials
What do the experts think?
Russell Westbrook's latest signature shoe is held back by its poor traction. Reviewers agree that it just doesn't grip well.
Its cushion could be the one saving grace. The forefoot Zoom feels bouncy and provides a nice ride.
Reviewers also agree that the quality of the materials isn't the best, but it doesn't hinder performance whatsoever.
The fit conforms to your foot once you've broken the shoe in.
There are also no issues with the support and lockdown, and the shoe feels stable laterally.
Overall, the Jordan Why Not .5 has everything you need in a performance basketball shoe except the traction. It could be much better if it gripped the court consistently.
