The Best Jordan Basketball Shoes

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.
  • 9.1 rating based on 8 expert reviews
  • The latest Air Jordan mainline signature model is, once again, a top-performing shoe.
  • Great for players that are looking for a top-tier performance basketball shoe.
  • 8.7 rating based on 2 expert reviews
  • A great all around performer at a solid price.
  • Great for any position or style of play.
  • 8.5 rating based on 5 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
  • 8.5 rating based on 9 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
  • 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.
  • 8.0 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.
  • 7.8 rating based on 4 expert reviews
  • The Jordan Why Not .5 implements a solid cushioning setup.
  • Players that enjoy the feeling of forefoot Zoom.
  • 7.4 rating based on 2 expert reviews
  • The Jordan One Take 2 does not live up to its predecessor.
  • Only recommended for players who need an affordable option for primarily outdoor play.

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 36

Performance Rating:
9.1
The latest Air Jordan mainline signature model is, once again, a top-performing shoe.
Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Absolutely no issues at all with the traction
Cushion feels amazing
Cons:
The outsole can be a tiny bit unsteady
They fit narrow and snug
What do the experts think?
The Air Jordan 36 continues the recent trend from Jordan brand and picks up right where the last two models left off. The traction is phenomenal. It performs well on both clean and dusty courts. All reviewers agree that the cushioning used in the 36 performs amazingly, but they also agree that the Air unit protruding from the outsole is unnecessary. The fit is snug and narrow, so if that's not your cup of tea, consider sizing up. Materials are slimmed way down this year. They make the shoe lightweight without sacrificing much in terms of comfort and durability. The surprisingly strong upper and the outsole materials wrapping upward towards the midsole make the support in this shoe solid. Being the latest signature shoe in the lineup, the Air Jordan 36 delivers and is yet another high-quality performance basketball shoe.

3. Jordan React Elevation

Performance Rating:
8.7
A great all around performer at a solid price.
Overall rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
Great cushion setup
Traction works well on all surfaces
Cons:
Materials could be more premium
What do the experts think?
The traction of the Jordan React Elevation performs nicely on clean courts, dusty courts, and outdoor courts. They have you covered no matter where you play. The cushion setup with React foam in the heel and Zoom in the forefoot is very comfortable and provides nice impact protection as well as court feel. The materials are nothing crazy, but they get the job done well and provide good support. The lacing system provides very good lockdown and reviewers found that true to size worked great. The support is also fantastic - you should have no issues with lateral containment or stability. Overall the Jordan React Elevation is a very good performer that comes in at a nice price. Reviewers had a lot of fun playing in these!

4. Air Jordan 37

Performance Rating:
8.5
The Air Jordan 37 is a top performer with bouncy forefoot cushioning and strong materials.
Overall rating based on 5 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.

5. Jordan Luka 1

Performance Rating:
8.5
The Jordan Luka 1 offers fantastic traction and tons of lateral support.
Overall rating based on 9 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Jordan One Take 2

Performance Rating:
7.4
The Jordan One Take 2 does not live up to its predecessor.
Overall rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
The upper is well ventilated
Solid fit
Cons:
Cheap materials compromise the support
Inconsistent traction
What do the experts think?
When it comes to traction, reviewers were split on their opinion of how consistent the shoe performed. It played well enough on indoor courts, but it wasn't spectacular. Cushioning on the One Take 2 is stiff and a bit too high off the ground for a guard shoe. However, the top-loaded Zoom unit in the forefoot does provide a little bit of extra bounce. Fit is the most consistent aspect of the shoe. Going true to size caused no issues. The materials are not the best quality, but they do a decent job in terms of performance. They're lightweight and breathable. Although the Jordan One Take 2 is not as good of a performer as its predecessor, it's still a decent shoe considering the price of just $100.

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