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 05.16.2023
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes Show
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes Overall
Which Jordan is best for playing basketball?
Jordan Luka 1
The Jordan Luka 1 was highly rated by our team, and that’s saying a lot. Luka Doncic and the Jordan design team did well on this one. Jordan Brand used the Luka 1 to introduce its newest foam: Formula 23. Right off the bat, you’ll feel how comfortable it is underfoot. Support is an obvious priority with the IsoPlate system acting as torsional support while really beefing up lateral support for extra support on stepbacks and defensive slides. And at $110 ($120 for the special editions), you get a lot of performance for the money. Read the full review. Price: $110
Jordan Zion 2
The Jordan Zion 2 is a top-notch performance basketball shoe and a huge improvement from the Jordan Zion 1.
Traction is perhaps the shoe’s best attribute followed by cushioning and lockdown. The traction shines as it grips the floor like nobody’s business after a short break-in period. It’s best felt when going aggressively from side to side. For cushioning you have Zoom Air in the forefoot and a Nike Air stroble in the heel, and for lockdown you have a forefoot strap that actually works and extremely beefy heel support is. Read the full review. Price: $120
Jordan 36
The Air Jordan 36 is the brand’s latest flagship model and, of course, has the most tech and thought given to it. Starting off with the cushion, the shoe features a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit along with an extra forefoot unit that sticks out from the bottom. The Eclipse Plate makes a return for maximum energy return and torsional support. The leno weave upper may be see-through, but make no mistake about its ability to contain your feet. Every year, it seems like the flagship is the best from Jordan Brand. This year is no different. Read the full review. Price: $185
Air Jordan 37 Low
The Air Jordan 37 Low is a shoe that most people are waiting for, especially with the Grant Williams mishap with the Air Jordan 37. The biggest difference is not just the collar height, but the upper materials as well. There is still the thin Lenoweave for breathability, but it has been paired with lots of neoprene so it doesn’t tear easily. The cushion remains the same with a combination of Zoom Air and Formula23 foam. Price: $175
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes for Outdoors 2023
Jordan Why Not .5
Both the cushioning and the traction on these are good for outdoor courts. The lightweight Phylon midsole combined with the forefoot Zoom unit makes for decent impact protection on both blacktop and concrete. The outsole will bite all surfaces. However, we have to caution you about its construction. Because it is made up of nubs, they may fall off faster than you’d like. But for as long as they last, they’re going to perform well. Read the full review. Price: $130
Best Low Top Jordan Basketball Shoes 2023
Jordan Luka 1
The Jordan Luka 1 makes another appearance on our list, in this case as a low-top option. And the fact of the matter is that these are just a really good basketball shoe that happens to be a low-cut shoe.
The show features Jordan Brand’s newest foam: Formula 23, which worked very well and is more on the responsive side than on the plush side. Support is also on point thanks to the implementations of Jordan’s new IsoPlate system acting as torsional support while beefing up lateral support for extra support on stepbacks and defensive slides. Read the full review. Price: $110
Air Jordan 36 Low
The Air Jordan 36 Low is much like the regular Air Jordan 36, with a slightly lower collar height. We still get the full-length Zoom Air Strobel that’s comfortable and bouncy and an additional Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for more impact protection. The Lenoweave upper may look like dental floss, but it is surprisingly supportive and lightweight. The traction bites well, too. Read the full review. Price: $165
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet 2023
Air Jordan 36 Low
The Air Jordan 36 Low and the regular Air Jordan 36, are both also great options for widefooters. The wide forefoot and that great plush cushioning system make these a really great option. Read the full review. Price: $165
Best Jordan Retro Basketball Shoes 2023
Air Jordan 5 Racer Blue
The Air Jordan 5 Racer Blue wasn’t what we had expected, but we’re happy to have been proven wrong this time around. It features the OG color blocking from the AJ 5 OG Fire Red with a black upper. And this is where the surprise comes in. It’s all suede everywhere instead of durabuck/nubuck. This gives a more premium feel to the sneaker which is very much welcome. Every other feature is standard for Air Jordan 5 Retros. If you like to feel a bit OG, yet also new, then these are perfect for you. Read the full review. Price: $190
Air Jordan 12 Playoff 2022
The Air Jordan 12 Playoff 2022 comes in a great package that will not leave many disappointed. The shoe is still one of the best on court performers of all time. You get a Phylon midsole with full-length Zoom Air. This was the first time Zoom appeared in the Jordan line, plus some great support with that full-length carbon fiber shank plate. And if you’re thinking of buying these to wear around town, you would have an amazing piece of sneaker design and history on your feet. There is simply little to complain about with these. Read the full review. Price: $200
Air Jordan 3 Cardinal Red
The Air Jordan 3 Cardinal Red looks like it could have been originally released in 1988 and yet it is a totally brand new colorway. The base is the Air Jordan 3 True Blue and the color scheme takes inspiration from the Air Jordan 7 Cardinal. Though these don’t have Nike branding, the materials, including the elephant print, are of good quality. The tongue is also true to the OG version and the lining has a soft touch with it being made out of a satin-like material. Read the full review.
Air Jordan 11 Low I.E. OG Bred 2021
The Air Jordan 11 Low I.E. is, right now, the best retro basketball shoe to play in from Jordan Brand. Most of the tech specs from a standard Air Jordan 11 are present. We get a Phylon midsole with a full-length Air unit. The traction pods use herringbone which offer great grip wherever you play. The upper is different with a combination of soft leather and mesh portions for better breathability. If you want to look like you’re playing in 1996, this is the way to go. Read the full review. Price: $170
