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The Best Jordans to Hoop In

Sports Lifestyle

The Best Jordans to Hoop In

Feb 27, 2025

It’s no exaggeration to say that Nike’s Air Jordan line created basketball shoes as we know them today. However, it’s also fair to wonder if they’re still top of the heap when it comes to court shoes. 

That’s especially true of Retro Nike basketball shoes. These are older Jordan models given deluxe reissues by Nike. All of these shoes were groundbreaking when they were released — but do they hold up to what modern players expect from basketball shoes? Simply put: Are Jordans basketball shoes? 

Fortunately, there are tons of good Jordan basketball shoes. Grab any of the pairs we’ll talk about here to start leveling up your shoe game (and maybe your hoop game, too).

The Best Jordans to Play Basketball In

The Best Jordans to Play Basketball In

These are some of the most comfortable Jordan retros, with features that are perfect for hooping:

Air Jordan 10

The Air Jordan 10 makes a stylish and functional court shoe. The fast lacing system and grippy outsole offer a secure, stable feel on indoor and outdoor courts.


The Pros: 

  • The AJ 10 has solid cushioning with full-length Zoom Air, providing good impact protection.
  • The shoe also has a great fit and lockdown, offering secure foot containment.
  • It’s a good Jordan for basketball given that it works for a variety of playing styles. 
  • A comfortable in-shoe feel coupled with durable construction makes it a solid on-court contender. 

The Cons: 

  • Unlike modern performance-driven Jordans, this edition has the potential for arch overflexing due to the lack of a robust shank plate. 
  • The cushioning technology may feel outdated compared to newer performance models.
  • You might need to break these in, and the leather upper may lack the breathability of more modern materials.

Air Jordan 11

Michael Jordan's personal fave and a perpetual bestseller, the Air Jordan 11 blends performance and style in the ultimate indoor court Jordans. 


The Pros: 

  • The outsole combines solid and translucent rubber with herringbone traction, providing a good grip on the court.
  • They offer a smooth and comfortable ride due to the lightweight Phylon midsole and full-length Air unit.
  • The shoe provides fantastic lockdown and containment, featuring a substantial heel counter, a stable midsole, and a carbon fiber shank plate for torsional rigidity and arch support.
  • With its effortless aesthetics, the Air Jordan 11 might arguably be the best-looking Jordan of all time. 

The Cons: 

  • While the ballistic mesh upper offers lightweight airflow, they tend to get hot during play. 
  • The Air Jordan 11 is a heavier basketball shoe with less support than more modern silhouettes. 
  • AJ 11s can be expensive, especially considering that newer basketball shoes may offer better performance. 

Air Jordan 12

Jordan heads know that the Air Jordan 12 is among the most durable retro Jordans for basketball, particularly if you opt for the leather version. It’s historically important as the first Jordan with a full-length Zoom Air unit — but its bouncy, responsive feel and carbon fiber plate make it anything but a museum piece.


The Pros: 

  • The Air Jordan 12s have exceptional durability, thanks to their all-leather construction. 
  • You can achieve a comfortable fit after breaking them in. 
  • The carbon fiber plate offers exceptional torsional rigidity. 

The Cons: 

  • There’s limited ankle support due to inability to lace the shoe all the way to the top.
  • The Jordan sneakers are less breathable than modern basketball shoes. 
  • The tubular laces may come untied in the heat of play, requiring frequent re-lacing.

Air Jordan 13

The Air Jordan 13 is one of the most comfortable models on the Jordan retro list, ready to handle whatever you throw at it. Zoom Air cushioning in the heel and forefoot makes it super stable for quick cuts and lateral movements, and you’ve got tons of appealing options for materials and colorways.


The Pros: 

  • The herringbone pattern that performs well on various court conditions.
  • A low-profile design coupled with a wide base enhances stability during play. 
  • Heel and forefoot Zoom Air cushioning provide responsive and comfortable impact protection. 

The Cons: 

  • The shoe may require a break-in period to achieve optimal performance.
  • Heavier than many modern basketball shoes, which may affect speed and agility.
  • Cushioning technology might feel outdated compared to newer performance models.

Air Jordan 14

The Air Jordan 14 offers incredible traction on both indoor and outdoor courts, making it a reliable choice for players who want to dominate on any surface. While the original model boasted two Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot, modern versions still deliver a comfortable and responsive feel with a slightly slimmed-down setup.


The Pros: 

  • The sleek design is inspired by high-performance sports cars, offering a unique on-court aesthetic.
  • The asymmetrical collar design offers an improved fit and comfort.
  • The traction and cushioning still hold up for performance standards. 

The Cons: 

  • Leather, nubuck or suede makes these shoes much less breathable than newer basketball shoes. 
  • The higher heel area lacks the smoothed-out feel of modern sneakers.

What Jordans Do NBA Players Wear?

What Jordans Do NBA Players Wear?

Michael Jordan was especially partial to the Air Jordan 3s, 11s and 12s, but today’s players typically wear lightened-up Jordans designed to meet modern demands. Look for Jordan basketball shoes like the Luka 3s, the Jordan Tatum line and Zion Williamson’s Jordan collab.

Whether you’re using them for basketball or wearing them every day, be sure to check out Hibbett’s current Jordan roster.

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    Sports Lifestyle

    The Best Jordans to Hoop In

    Feb 27, 2025

    Discover the best Air Jordan retros for basketball. From the iconic Air Jordan 1 to the high-performance Air Jordan 14, find out which Jordans offer style, comfort, and functionality for the court. Shop Nike Air Jordans at Hibbett.

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