When it comes to basketball footwear, few names carry as much weight and legacy as Jordan Brand. With a rich history rooted in the iconic Michael Jordan’s career, the Jordan line of sneakers has transcended the courts and become a cultural phenomenon. While many Jordan models have become fashion staples, they were originally designed for performance on the hardwood. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best Jordans to play basketball in.
Over the years, Jordan Brand has released numerous models that cater to different playing styles, preferences, and performance needs. To help you make an informed choice, we will delve into the features that matter most when selecting a basketball shoe. We will then discuss some of the top Jordan models for on-court excellence, taking into account factors such as cushioning, traction, support, and fit.
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Key Considerations When Choosing Basketball Shoes
Before diving into the specific Jordan models, it’s important to understand the key factors to consider when choosing basketball shoes. These elements can greatly impact your performance, comfort, and injury prevention:
Cushioning: Proper cushioning is essential for absorbing impact and providing comfort during intense games. Jordan Brand utilizes various cushioning technologies, such as Air, Zoom, and React, each with its own characteristics.
Traction: Traction is crucial for maintaining grip on the court, preventing slips, and making quick cuts. Outsole patterns, rubber compounds, and multidirectional traction designs all play a role in this aspect.
Support: Basketball involves rapid direction changes, jumps, and landings, making ankle support and overall stability paramount. Look for shoes that offer a secure fit around the ankle and ample midfoot support.
Fit: A proper fit ensures that your foot is snugly and comfortably secured within the shoe. It prevents excessive movement inside the shoe and minimizes the risk of blisters or discomfort.
Durability: Basketball shoes need to withstand the rigors of the game. Consider the build quality, materials, and construction methods to assess the longevity of the shoe.
Style: While performance should be the primary concern, Jordan enthusiasts often appreciate stylish designs. Fortunately, Jordan Brand excels in blending performance with iconic aesthetics.
Now, let’s delve into some of the best Jordan models that excel on the basketball court:
Air Jordan 35
The Air Jordan 35 is the latest iteration of the iconic line and has garnered praise for its exceptional performance attributes. This shoe is built for speed and agility, making it a top choice for guards and versatile players. Its key features include:
Eclipse Plate technology: This innovative midsole plate combines Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot and FlightPlate technology in the heel, providing explosive energy return.
Improved traction: The herringbone outsole pattern offers exceptional grip on the court, allowing for quick cuts and precise movements.
Supportive fit: The shoe features a midfoot strap and a padded collar for enhanced stability and ankle support.
Breathable materials: The upper is constructed from lightweight and breathable materials, ensuring comfort during intense gameplay.
Air Jordan 34
The Air Jordan 34 was hailed as a breakthrough in basketball shoe design when it was released. It combines lightweight construction with responsive cushioning, making it an excellent choice for players who value agility and explosiveness. Key features of the Air Jordan 34 include:
Eclipse Plate technology: Similar to the AJ35, the AJ34 features an Eclipse Plate that enhances cushioning and energy return.
Lightweight construction: The shoe’s upper is made from lightweight materials that provide a secure fit without sacrificing breathability.
Excellent traction: The herringbone pattern on the outsole ensures superb grip on the court.
Low-profile design: The shoe’s low-top design promotes freedom of movement and flexibility, making it ideal for guards.
Air Jordan 36
The Air Jordan 36 builds on the success of its predecessor, the AJ35, and continues to prioritize performance. It combines elements of the past and future, offering a blend of classic design and modern technology. Key features of the Air Jordan 36 include:
Full-length Zoom Air cushioning: This setup provides consistent responsiveness and impact protection across the entire sole.
Improved traction: The multidirectional traction pattern on the outsole ensures grip on various court surfaces.
Enhanced lockdown: The shoe features an adjustable lacing system and a molded heel counter for a secure fit.
Lightweight materials: The upper combines synthetic materials and mesh for breathability and support.
Air Jordan 33
The Air Jordan 33 introduced the innovative FastFit technology, which allows for quick and secure lacing. It’s a versatile shoe suitable for players of all positions. Key features of the Air Jordan 33 include:
FastFit lacing system: The FastFit technology ensures a snug and customizable fit with a simple pull of the cord.
Unlocked Zoom Air cushioning: The shoe’s forefoot Zoom Air unit is exposed, allowing for enhanced responsiveness and court feel.
Excellent support: The high-top design provides ample ankle support, making it a good choice for players seeking extra stability.
Durable materials: The shoe’s construction is built to withstand the demands of basketball.
Air Jordan 11
While the Air Jordan 11 is more renowned for its iconic design, it also offers solid on-court performance. Its combination of style and substance has made it a favorite among many players. Key features of the Air Jordan 11 include:
Full-length Air-Sole unit: The shoe’s cushioning provides ample impact protection and comfort.
Patented carbon fiber plate: The midfoot plate offers stability and support during lateral movements.
Iconic design: The Air Jordan 11’s sleek silhouette and patent leather upper make it a standout both on and off the court.
Traction: The outsole pattern delivers adequate grip for most playing conditions.
What Jordans do NBA players wear?
NBA players have the privilege of choosing from a wide range of basketball shoes, including various Jordan models, thanks to endorsement deals and partnerships with major shoe brands. While some players wear specific signature models, others may choose a variety of Jordan models based on their personal preferences and playing style. here are some notable Jordan models that NBA players have been known to wear:
Air Jordan 35: The Air Jordan 35 was a popular choice among NBA players due to its innovative cushioning and performance-oriented features. Players like Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum were seen wearing this model.
Air Jordan 34: Prior to the release of the AJ35, the AJ34 was widely worn by NBA athletes. Stars like Russell Westbrook and Zion Williamson were often spotted wearing the AJ34 on the court.
Air Jordan 36: As a continuation of the Jordan performance line, the AJ36 was expected to be a popular choice for NBA players in 2021 and beyond. It’s likely that players such as Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić would continue to wear this model.
Air Jordan 31 and 32: These models have also been worn by NBA players. The AJ31 featured a combination of Zoom Air and FlightSpeed cushioning, while the AJ32 introduced FlightPlate technology.
Custom Jordans: Some players collaborate with Jordan Brand to create custom player-exclusive (PE) versions of Jordan models tailored to their preferences. These exclusive colorways are often not available to the public and are designed specifically for the athlete.
Retro Jordans: While many players wear the latest performance models, some opt for retro Jordan sneakers off the court due to their iconic style. However, retro Jordans are less common on the NBA hardwood compared to the performance-focused models.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Jordans to play basketball in involves considering your playing style, position, and personal preferences. The models mentioned in this guide offer a range of performance attributes, from cushioning and support to traction and fit. Ultimately, the best Jordan for you will depend on your unique needs as a player.
Remember to prioritize comfort, support, and performance over style, although Jordan Brand has mastered the art of combining all these elements. Before making a decision, it’s advisable to try on different models, if possible, to find the perfect fit for your feet.
Whether you opt for the latest model or a classic like the Air Jordan 11, you can trust in Jordan Brand’s legacy of excellence on the basketball court. Whichever Jordans you choose, they will undoubtedly be a stylish and high-performing addition to your basketball gear.
In conclusion, the best Jordans to play basketball in are those that complement your playing style and provide the necessary support, cushioning, and traction for optimal performance. With the options available from Jordan Brand, you can find the perfect fit to elevate your game on the hardwood.
