The best Jordan for basketball can take your game to the next level, providing you find the right pair for you. Fortunately, our list of top picks is here to help.
While some of our previous lists, including the best Jordan 1 colorways and simply the best Air Jordans, have focused on style over performance, we're switching things around for this selection.
This is because Jordans originally debuted as some of the best basketball shoes on the market back in 1985. And, while the brand regularly retro many of its previous releases, it's also at the forefront of innovation, producing some incredible basketball shoes packed with technology.
When it comes to selecting the best Jordan sneakers for basketball though, there are a few different models to consider.
For instance, there are 37 different Air Jordans to take into account, plus a wide selection of signature Jordan models, like the Why Not .5? and Luka 1, to factor in as well, with more on the way. Take the Jordan Tatum 1, for instance, which is set to be Jordan's lightest performance shoe to date, rivalling some of the best running shoes on the market in terms of weight.
So, to determine our selections, we took into account reviews, cost, design, and any other features or technology that make these shoes stand out from the competition. Without further delay, let's get into the best Jordan basketball shoes right here...
Best Jordan for basketball
- Best all-round Jordan for basketball - Air Jordan XXXVII
- Best Jordan for outdoor basketball - Jordan Why Not .5?
- Best mid-top Jordan for basketball - Jordan Zion 2
- Best low-top Jordan for basketball - Jordan Luka 1
- Best budget Jordan for basketball - Jordan One Take 4
Best all-round Jordan for basketball - Air Jordan XXXVII
There are plenty of great Jordan basketball shoes out there; however, it's the Air Jordan XXXVII that we think takes the crown as one of the best all-rounders.
With it essentially being Jordan's flagship model, it's packed to the brim with technology. For instance, it features Formula 23 foam, which is designed to cushion impact upon landing and provide more propulsion during side-to-side movements.
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You also get Nike Air bubbles... not once, but twice. Yes, Jordan has double-stacked Air in the forefoot to give you a greater and more responsive energy return, allowing you to stop and start as if you're in a video game.
Finally, the upper is made from what is described as a strong, lightweight material known as leno-weave fabric. The material, along with plastic ribbon coating, should mimic the support given by a taped-up ankle.
All this considered, we feel this Jordan basketball shoe will only help enhance your performance on the court... just make sure your handling skills are up to scratch as well.
Best Jordan for outdoor basketball - Jordan Why Not .5?
Indoor courts are one thing, but when you take the game outdoors, you need a pair of shoes that can adapt to the change of surface. Fortunately, we feel the Jordan Why Not .5? is up to the challenge.
They are Russell Westbrook's own signature model, and, as a result, come packed with cushioning and traction to match his speed and control on the court.
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More specifically, you get large-volume Zoom Air units in each shoe to give greater energy returns. You also get a durable rubber outsole that features a rugged, data-informed traction pattern inspired by trial running shoes to give exceptional amounts of grip.
With these factors in mind, we feel these Jordan sneakers are ideal for playing basketball outside. With webbed fitting as well, there's certainly plenty to like with this pick.
Best mid-top Jordan for basketball - Jordan Zion 2
Historically speaking, high-top sneakers have been at the forefront of basketball. However, the last few years and decades have seen more and more NBA stars opting for mid and low-cut shoes instead as they give more freedom around the ankle.
If you're in this camp and gravitate more towards mids, then the mid-cut Jordan Zion 2 could be the ideal basketball shoe for you.
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Aside from its collar height, the shoe features an incredibly large Air Strobel unit in the heel, plus Zoom Air in the forefoot to deliver lightweight cushioning that should also help to absorb any shock felt from the court.
For added security, the shoes also feature an adjustable strap along with reinforced sidewalls to keep your feet from slipping around inside your shoes.
This should also deliver a tighter lock-in, which, in our opinion, makes them an ideal pick for basketball.
Best low-top Jordan for basketball - Jordan Luka 1
If it's low-tops you're after though for everyday wear, then make sure you check out the low-cut Jordan Luka 1.
Built to keep up with the speed of Luka Dončić, the shoe features an IsoPlate foot frame and Formula 23 foam to keep you secure in the footbed while the cushioning helps propel you off the mark during side-to-side movements.
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To further improve the lock-in, Jordan has added Flywire cables on the lateral side to help contain your foot during play.
On the whole, we believe these shoes are worth considering if you're looking for basketball shoes to play in.
Best budget Jordan for basketball - Jordan One Take 4
The Jordan One Take 4 looks to be one of the best budget basketball shoes on the market. So, if you're looking for a pair of Jordans to play in, then the One Take 4 is a great option to consider to upgrade your on-court footwear for less.
The sneaker is, once again, designed for Russell Westbrook, so comes with a ton of innovations to make it ideal for speed and instant changes of direction.
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One particularly interesting feature is the outsole, which wraps up nearly to the midsole to give you better traction as you start, stop, and move from side to side to beat your opponent.
The shoes are also designed to keep your feet cool thanks to synthetic leather, ripstop, and mesh combining to allow air to flow in and out of your sneakers during a game.
With Zoom Air in the forefoot and a herringbone traction pattern as well, there's certainly plenty to like about the Jordan One Take 4 beyond its relatively inexpensive price tag.
Frequently asked questions about Jordans for basketball
With so many different Jordan basketball shoes on the market, you may have a number of questions about what makes each of them stand out. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries right here.
Why should you choose Jordans for basketball?
With so many great basketball shoe manufacturers out there, it begs the question, why opt for a pair from Jordan?
Well, straight off the bat, it's important to know Jordan and Nike have been making basketball shoes for a very long time.
Before the Jordan 1 debuted in 1985, Nike was already creating the likes of the Nike Blazer and Air Force 1 for on-the-court action, so already had a ton of experience in the field.
Over the years, Nike and Jordan have also shown a great deal of innovation to produce some of the best basketball shoes on the market. For instance, Formula 23 foam is one of the brand's more recent innovations, and is designed to deliver a lightweight, responsive ride as touched on earlier.
However, Jordans do tend to be on the slightly pricier side compared to some of its competitors. But, it's worth keeping in mind there are a few relatively inexpensive options, like the Jordan One Take 4, which aren't quite as expensive as some of Jordan's flagship models.
Ultimately, though, the decision on whether to opt for Jordan basketball shoes or sneakers from another brand comes down to your own personal preference. If you're unsure, we'd suggest trying a few different pairs at your local sneaker store to see if Jordans feel most comfortable on your feet.
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Do Jordan basketball shoes fit true-to-size?
You should find Jordan basketball shoes fit true to size according to Nike's handy size chart.
For a secure lock-in and control on the court, basketball shoes should fit relatively tight to your feet, but with enough room on both sides to keep you comfortable as well as protected.
Also, as a general rule of thumb, Clarks recommends you leave about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoes to ensure a comfortable, secure fit.
Make sure you check out our guide to measuring your shoe size right here to get you started when it comes to getting Jordans that fit just right.
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Where can you buy new Jordan basketball shoes?
As touched on in our lists of the best places to buy Jordans and sneakers, our number one place to visit for new Jordan basketball shoes is the Nike store as Nike creates the entire Jordan collection.
We'd also recommend checking out the SNKRS launch page as it lists all of Nike's popular upcoming releases, including amazing Jordan and Nike collaborations, ahead of time just in case you wanted to plan ahead with your next Jordan purchase.
If for whatever reason the Jordan shoes you're after are sold out, then we'd suggest visiting resale websites like StockX or GOAT to pick up the sneakers in question. Both companies authenticate every sneaker purchase to ensure the shoes you're getting are legitimate.