If you're a sneaker or basketball fan, you've probably considered 'are Jordans comfortable?' at some point in time.
Typically speaking, the best basketball shoes are built for protection and support on the court, but does this make them comfortable to wear every day, and how do Jordans stack up in comparison?
Well, we're here to help you answer these queries before giving our overall verdict on whether Jordans are, in fact, comfortable.
Are Jordans Comfortable? - Cushioning
One of the biggest factors in determining the comfort of sneakers is the cushioning and support they provide to your feet.
In the case of Jordans, some of its more recent releases, like the Jordan XXXVI featured in our best Air Jordans list, come with Zoom Air technology across the midsole, designed to distribute the high-impact shock felt when landing a jump.
So, with this added cushioning, you would assume they'd be soft and comfortable to wear, particularly during a game, and come with the added bonus of protecting your joints as well.
However, if you compare Jordans to some of the best running shoes, for example, you'll probably find the lighter, softer trainers to be more comfortable to wear for everyday use.
That's not to say Jordans aren't lightweight though. For instance, the Air Jordan Flyknit Elevation 23 comes with a full fabric upper and weighs just 4lbs, plus includes the same Zoom Air technology incorporated in a number of Nike's running shoes.
Are Jordans Comfortable? - Finding The Right Fit
In our guide on whether Jordans run big, we mention how getting the size right is crucial for comfort.
Generally speaking, Jordans are said to fit true to size for everyday use and for on the court action, but how do you know what size to buy in the first place?
Well, Clarks recommends you leave about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe, which we think is something that can be applied to Jordans as well.
Moreover, you should aim to feel a bend near the balls of your feet and not around the midsoles, as this would indicate your shoes are too loose and may result in blisters and foot pain, thus reducing the levels of comfort.
You also want the upper part of your Jordans to fit firmly around your ankles, especially in high tops, with the ability to tighten it to your discretion with laces in order to provide maximum support.
Some sneakers, like the upcoming Air Jordan 11 Adapts, feature self-lacing technology to ensure the perfect lock-in so you're both comfortable and supported during a match, or during everyday wear.
If you're unsure, you can normally find size charts on the Nike website so you can compare the size of your feet to the size the manufacture recommends to help you find the perfect pair.
Are Jordans Comfortable?
On the whole, we feel Jordans should be comfortable to use during matches or for everyday use, especially considering the amount of added cushioning required to keep your feet protected during a game.
A 2017 report from Morgan Stanley estimated Nike invested about $2.5 billion into overall research and development across a 5 year period so, one can assume some of that research is dedicated to improving comfort.
In fact, Jordan started making dedicated ultra-comfort versions of its 1's back in 2020, and looks set to add to its lineup with the upcoming release of the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT "Washed Blue", so it appears Jordan is taking an extra step to ensure its sneakers are as comfortable as possible.
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