The Air Jordan 40 Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Air Jordan 40 is a high-performance basketball shoe designed for players seeking improved lateral support and stability. With its notable enhancements over the AJ39, this model ensures solid footing and effective side-to-side containment, making it ideal for dynamic movements on the court.

Featuring advanced ZoomX foam, the Air Jordan 40 delivers a highly energetic and responsive ride. The firm cushioning translates to a stable platform during play, which can significantly impact performance metrics.

Additionally, the design incorporates sturdy upper materials with genuine leather patches, offering both durability and an appealing aesthetic. This combination of functionality and style makes the Air Jordan 40 a compelling choice for serious basketball athletes.

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

Air Jordan 40 Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Air Jordan 40 Air Jordan XXXIX Nike G.T. Cut 3 Jordan Zion 4
Price $205 $200 $190 $145
Signature Michael Jordan Michael Jordan - Zion Williamson
Top Low Low Low Low
Ankle support
Weight lab 15.5 oz / 439g 13.9 oz / 394g 11.8 oz / 335g 14.4 oz / 408g
Lightweight
Breathability Warm Warm Warm Moderate
Outsole durability Decent Good Good Good
Drop lab 4.9 mm 7.2 mm 5.5 mm 6.5 mm
Heel stack lab 25.4 mm 27.1 mm 27.0 mm 25.2 mm
Forefoot 20.5 mm 19.9 mm 21.5 mm 18.7 mm
Size Half size small True to size True to size -
Midsole softness Soft Soft Soft Balanced
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Stiff Flexible
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Flexible Flexible Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Wide Wide Medium Narrow
Midsole width - forefoot Average Narrow Average Average
Midsole width - heel Narrow Narrow Narrow Very narrow
Heel padding durability Good Decent Bad Decent
Toebox durability Decent Decent Decent Decent
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Outsole hardness - Average Hard -
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average
Heel tab None None None None
Ranking Bottom 15% Top 23% Top 36% Bottom 7%
Popularity Top 2% Top 19% Top 6% Bottom 49%