The Nike Ja 1 Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Nike Ja 1 is a versatile basketball shoe designed for various player types. Its features make it ideal for guards seeking energy return, as well as heel strikers and larger players who require effective impact protection due to the shoe's substantial cushioning.

Lab data indicates that the Nike Ja 1 delivers notable performance on the court, translating to real-world benefits such as enhanced comfort suitable for wear off the court. Investing in this shoe offers significant value through its robust design and performance capabilities.

Pros

  • A true bang for the buck
  • Amazing grip on the court
  • Quite a supportive ride
  • Pretty comfortable wraparound
  • Great plushness around the heel
  • Good forefoot bounce
  • Durable structure
  • True-to-size fit
  • Stylish look

Cons

  • Cheap-feeling materials
  • Still has to be broken in

Key Features

  • Occasion Type: Casual, perfect for everyday wear.
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up, ensuring a customizable fit.
  • Toe Style: Closed Toe, offering protection and style.
  • Pattern Type: Solid, supporting a clean aesthetic.
  • Heel Type: No Heel, contributing to comfort during use.
  • Special Feature: Composite materials enhance durability and support.

Specifications

  • Sole Material: Rubber, providing durability and traction.
  • Outer Material: Synthetic, designed for resilience.
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up for adjustable fitting.

Nike Ja 1 Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Ja 1 Nike Book 1 Nike Ja 2 Nike Air Max Impact 4
Price $110 $140 $120 $90
Signature Ja Morant Devin Booker Ja Morant -
Top Low Low Low Low
Ankle support
Weight lab 12.7 oz / 361g 13.6 oz / 386g 11.9 oz / 336g 12.1 oz / 342g
Lightweight
Breathability Moderate Warm Breathable Moderate
Outsole durability Bad Decent Decent -
Drop lab 5.2 mm 7.0 mm 3.9 mm 9.5 mm
Heel stack lab 27.5 mm 26.9 mm 26.1 mm 33.3 mm
Forefoot 22.3 mm 19.9 mm 22.2 mm 23.8 mm
Size Slightly small Slightly small Slightly small Slightly small
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Firm Balanced
Stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Moderate Flexible
Width / fit Wide Medium Narrow Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Wide
Midsole width - forefoot Average Average Narrow Average
Midsole width - heel Narrow Narrow Average Narrow
Heel padding durability Good Good Decent -
Toebox durability Good Decent Decent Decent
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Outsole hardness Average Average Average Hard
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average
Heel tab None Finger loop None None
Ranking Top 28% Bottom 41% Top 8% Bottom 20%
Popularity Top 31% Top 25% Top 16% Bottom 43%