Jordan basketball shoes are the most popular shoes out there, there is no denying it. In fact, you could actually argue that it is the most popular basketball brand of all time. Having the name and image of Michael Jordan attached to all your products has its perks, but it’s also a responsibility to bring it for your consumers all the time.
But first off…
Are Jordans still good for basketball?
Simply put, yes. Retro Jordan’s might not be on the cutting edge of footwear technology anymore, but many models are still great performers even today. Jordan 11’s, Jordan 12’s, Jordan 13’s, and Jordan 14’s in particular are great performers from the original signature line.
Modern Jordans on the other hand are consistently some of the best performance basketball shoes on the market. So yes, Jordans are good for playing basketball.
Jordan Brand is by far the brand that enjoys the most loyalty from its customers. There is so much nostalgia and cache associated with the Jumpman, both their signature models as well as the team Jordan line. And Jordan brand knows it. Jordan churns out an insane amount of products every year, which makes it it’s hard to keep track and pick out the best offerings.
That’s where we come in. Here at WearTesters, we’ve done all the leg work for you. Whether you’re looking for the best on-court performers, or just some sick retros to rock casually, we got you covered. Keep scrolling to check out the list of the best Jordan basketball shoes.
WearTesters has extensively tested and reviewed multiple basketball shoes. You can also visit our Best Overall Basketball Shoes list or our Best Basketball Shoes by Brand list.
Last updated 08.26.2024
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes Show
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes Overall
Which Jordan is best for playing basketball?
Jordan 38
This year’s Jordan Flagship model is a beast and a big improvement on the Jordan 37, so we had to include it on our list of the best Jordan basketball shoes. The 38 is lightweight and nimble, with tons of ventilation, a great no-nonsense traction setup (which in this colorway is etched into a translucent rubber sole), and a very well-balanced layered cushioning system. This cushioning system combines a Phylon midsole, a full-length Zoom Air Strobel, and a slab of Cushlon 3.0 nestled between the outsole and the midsole. The shoe retails for $200 which is steep but the Jordan 38 will be one of the best shoes of the year. Price: $200. Read the full review.
Jordan Luka 3
Overall, the Jordan Luka 3 is a rather disappointing model. Performance should be fine, but feels lackluster if you take into account the $130 price tag. The lack of innovation is also a bummer, both in terms of tech and all-around aesthetics. Admittedly, traction and support are standout features, and cater well to shifter players on the court, and the cushioning setup will provide a comfortable, zippy, and smooth ride, which will work well for most playing styles. However, the materials used feel very cheap for the price, and the fit can be uncomfortably tight. Honestly, we expected more from the 3rd signature shoe of a player of the caliber of Luka Doncic. The Jordan Luka 3 sneaker is a solid choice all around, especially for players who prioritize traction and support, but we suggest holding off until you can get the Luka 3 on discount. Read the full review. Price $130.
Jordan 39
The Air Jordan 39 could have easily been the best basketball shoe of 2024-25 with a few simple and inexpensive changes. Instead, we have a shoe that does offer some standout features, but also has some glaring, foundational issues that may render the shoe unplayable for the general public. The cushioning system is elite, but the shoe’s torsional support and containment are lacking. If you are willing to spend a little extra money on top of the $200 the shoe already costs and purchase a pair of insoles that come equipped with torsional support, that may be able to solve some of the shoe’s weaknesses. Read the full review. Price: $200
Jordan Luka 2
The Jordan Luka 2 is a very similar shoe to the Jordan Luka 1, so it makes sense that it would make our list of the best Jordan basketball shoes. We have basically the same traction setup, very similar cushioning (if anything the Luka 2 is slightly bouncier), and the same spring plate. The Jordan Luka 1 was designed to enhance Luka’s patented stepback and the Luka 2 takes that concept to the next level. They do feel slightly stiffer and will require more breaking time. The fit is true to size. Read the full review. Price: $130
Jordan Tatum 2
Disappointing is the best way of describing the Tatum 2. All the changes Jordan made to this shoe did very little to improve performance in any way. Jordan Brand now has two of the worst signature lines on the market: the Tatum and the Zion. The Jordan 38 is an amazing performance model, which makes these gaffes all the more surprising. Hopefully, they can get their act together for the Tatum 3. Read the full review. Retail price: $125
Jordan One Take 5
The Jordan One Take 5 doesn’t look like a basketball shoe. This is a skate shoe in hoop clothing. The stiffness of the midsole and shank plate combined with the substantial padding within the shoe will make the One Take way too restrictive for most players to enjoy on court. Now, if you enjoy a very responsive ride on court with a high level of court feel and appreciate a lot of torsional support, you will like these as long as the fit works for you. Read the full review. Retail price: $100
Jordan Zion 3
Even though the Jordan Zion 3 might not feel like a Zion shoe, or even be enough to keep up with his playing style, it might still turn out to be one of the best basketball shoes of the year. With the Zion 3 you are getting…well…a Kobe: reliable, grippy traction (which can handle moderate outdoor use), a very nice drop-in midsole cushioning system, encased in a light, sleek package all for just $140. Not a bad deal at all. Be mindful of the fit, however, the Jordan Zion 3 fits very snugly, but aside from that, this is a top-notch performance model. Read the full review. Retail price: $140
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes for Outdoors 2024
Jordan Zion 3
As wonky as the Zion 3 is indoors, it an OK shoe outdoors. Besides, every other Jordan model is ill-prepared for outdoor use, so if you want to play in a modern Jordan shoe outdoors, you might as well pick up a shoe like this and beat it up outdoors instead of destroying a nice pair of the 38s for example. Read the full review. Retail price: $140
Best Low Top Jordan Basketball Shoes 2024
Jordan 38 Low
The Jordan 38 is awesome, and so is the Jordan 38 Low. There are some slight differences in material, and BE WARNED, the fit is longer than the normal 38, so make sure to try them on in-store, or go down half a size for a nice snug 1 to 1 fit. Price: $200. Read the full review.
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet 2024
Jordan 38 Low
The extra space in the forefoot might be a drawback for most foot shapes, but wide footers will probably appreciate this feature. As always, try them on in-store first just to make sure the fit is right for you. Price: $200. Read the full review.
Best Jordan Retro Basketball Shoes 2024
Air Jordan 11 Space Jam Low
The true Space Jams are back. This retro features al the original tech specs of the Jordan 11 Space Jam in a low-top package. These perform as well as the look on court. Price: $200
damn these shoes are great i bought all of them to see how good they are