Air Jordan 40
Pros
- High energy return from ZoomX
- Premium-level outsole traction
- Fantastic lateral stability (nothing like the AJ39!)
- Highly secure foot containment
- Excellent durability
- Solid medium-width fit
- Visually appealing
Cons
- Surprisingly low shock absorption
- One of the heaviest hoop shoes
- Non-breathable, toasty upper
- Not for outdoor courts
Key Features
- Full-Length Zoom Strobel Unit: Provides enhanced cushioning and responsiveness.
- Full-Length ZoomX Foam: Offers marathon-level comfort and bounce.
- Internal Straps: Help provide optimal containment during movement.
- Herringbone Traction Pattern: Delivers superior grip to keep defenders on their toes.
- Distinct Material Composition: A blend of sturdy canvas, leather toe, and gum rubber outsole adds durability and style.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Leather
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Air Jordan 40 is an excellent choice for basketball players seeking enhanced lateral support and stability. This model addresses the shortcomings of the AJ39, providing solid footing and effective side-to-side containment.
Utilizing the brand's advanced ZoomX foam, the AJ40 offers a highly energetic and responsive ride. The design also features sturdy upper materials, including genuine leather patches, contributing to its classy and luxurious aesthetic.
However, some users may find that the shoe's fit requires adjustment, which could be a drawback for those unfamiliar with its sizing nuances. Overall, the Air Jordan 40 stands out for its performance and style in the competitive basketball footwear market.
Jordan One Take 5
Pros
- Incredible lockdown and containment feel
- Bouncy Zoom Air unit
- Great shock absorption
- Pretty supportive
- Fantastic for rebounds
- Nice traction
- Doubles as a sneaker
Cons
- Break-in period needed
- Outsole lacks durability
Key Features
- Outsole Design: The Jordan One Take 3 outsole facilitates quick directional changes.
- Zoom Air Cushioning: Provides responsive cushioning to aid in energy return.
- Sole Material: Crafted from durable rubber for enhanced traction.
- Upper Construction: Made with leather for better support and stability.
- Internal Comfort: Features synthetic material for a comfortable fit.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Shaft Height: Ankle Strap
- Outer Material: Leather
- Inner Material: Synthetic
- Available Sizes: Size 10 (Fd2335-106, White/Black/University Red)
The One Take 5 is an affordable option suitable for basketball players seeking a budget-friendly shoe. Its performance in both wear and lab tests was surprising, leading us to designate it as the best budget choice among Jordan hoopers.
Its solid structure instilled confidence during playtests, achieving a notable 5/5 on our torsional rigidity test. The wide midsole measured at 128.2 mm in the forefoot, contributing to exceptional stability, which facilitated aggressive movements like quick cuts and crossover steps.
Although the stack height is lower, at 23.2 mm in the heel and 18.5 mm in the forefoot, this Jordan model incorporates a Zoom Air unit. This feature resulted in energetic toe-offs and a bouncy ride, while its Phylon foam enhanced performance for rebounds.
However, our Dremel test indicated that Nike compromised on the outsole durability, showing a 1.8 mm deep dent that could affect longevity. This detail is significant for those concerned about long-term wear with the One Take 5.