Jordan Element Performance Review
Posted by George Kiel III | Jul 24, 2009
As we all know, streetball is nothing less than a ritual throughout the United States, let alone the entire world, year in and year out. Each summer, Jordan Brand releases multiple outdoor sneakers exclusively designed for the rigors of the outdoor playgrounds. One of the outdoor designs created for this summer season is this Jordan Element. Although we first spotted this particular sneaker on Ray Allen’s feet towards the end of the 2008-09 NBA, many sneaker enthusiasts really took a liking towards it upon seeing it as a part of the Quai 54 x Air Jordan “Ruff & Tuff” Pack. We put the Jordan Element through indoor and outdoor performance tests to see how it could handle both elements of play. Click here to see how Jordan Element performed. |
Jordan Element Performance Review
Strengths: The Jordan Element is nothing less than ideal for the outdoor basketball game. Although it also performed rather nicely on the hardwood, this particular sneaker would be a nice pickup for one that plays outdoor the majority of the time. The first thing that sticks out on this shoe is its extreme traction. When making quick, deceptive moves, the Jordan Element allows one to stabilize balance at the same time. Recovery time is a must when playing on outdoor surfaces; therefore, traction is a need. Another advantage the Jordan Element provides the player with is its cushioning. There is nothing better than a comfortable-fitting sneaker when playing outside on rugged surfaces. The Jordan Element also possesses a lightweight capacity which is not often associated with outdoor-ready basketball shoes.
Weaknesses: Although the Jordan Element possesses a lightweight capacity, its external bulkiness goes against the grain from most basketball shoes that have recently released. For this reason, one’s vertical and lateral response seems to be very limited at times. It feels as if the sneaker and the foot are not in unison consistently when making sharp moves. In addition, seeing that this shoes cannot totally be categorized as a high-top nor a low cut sneaker, the ankle support is not as secure as other sneakers. With that said, we all know how important ankle support is when playing outside (Think Rucker Park Games).
Overall, the Jordan Element is a solid, durable sneaker that can be worn over and over again on the outdoor courts. Its trifecta of durability, traction and cushioning provides the player with unique advantages. At a first glance, what are your thoughts on the Jordan Element?
Sep 9, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I actually bought the shoe. and its ok. not great, but ok. the shoes are light, which I like alot. but the one main problem that i had with these shoes is that the bottom of the soles came apart from the shoe while i was defending the point. another problem is that the tongue kinda gave me scars around the outside ankle area on both ankles. overall, i mark these shoes a 3 out of 5.
Jul 27, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Nice I want to cop them shoes
Jul 27, 2009 at 10:47 am
dats jus a bad color way
Jul 27, 2009 at 7:03 am
Yeah they aight
Jul 26, 2009 at 10:37 am
cool
Jul 26, 2009 at 10:02 am
They look a lot better in person and they are really comfy. I was at Hibbets and tried them on. I was so close to buying them but then I wasn’t allowed to get them even with my own money because according to my parents I have to many shoes.
Jul 26, 2009 at 8:26 am
In other words, duhhh, the Jordan Element is an overall good shoe. Looks and everything.
Jul 26, 2009 at 12:23 am
i really dont think this is a bad lookin shoe
Jul 25, 2009 at 11:51 pm
i think theyre really comfortable durable outdoor basketball shoes but think i get what theyre saying that the shoe is not in unison with the foot. maybe it does not fold well the the feet? or maybe the material is too thick?
Jul 25, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Performance reviews are one of the best things on this site. Wish there were more..like 1 a month. Hell of a review by the way
Jul 25, 2009 at 2:49 pm
not a bad sneker i might cop p.s.nice more porfamance review
Jul 25, 2009 at 10:56 am
Outdoor 11s huh…..
nice
Jul 25, 2009 at 9:44 am
nothin special, there nice, but nothin special
Jul 25, 2009 at 1:35 am
Great reveiw!!! I tried the shoes at Nike store and the were very comfortable. They have a great fit for wide feet. They are a bit lighter than some uptempos. But I really agree how they are a little wide and bulky. Looks wise they are cool just need to look at them a couple times just to know how they look like … That dosent make that much sense but you would agree that you need to take a double take on these shoe. Great review Nicekicks
Jul 25, 2009 at 1:00 am
not whats hot in the streets
Jul 24, 2009 at 11:32 pm
DO THIS TO EVERYSHOE PLZ
Jul 24, 2009 at 9:04 pm
again again
JB is more focused on how well the sneaker is for basketball not for fashion
so they might look like garbage to some people but they could be really good to ball in
Jul 24, 2009 at 8:07 pm
u should rate protege’s
Jul 24, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Why wouldnt you weigh it?
Jul 24, 2009 at 7:44 pm
@ Clint, i think those soles are a tad bulky. When you cut on those the material wouldn’t be as responsive as say Kobe Voom IV’s
Jul 24, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Great review as always GK III
Jul 24, 2009 at 6:49 pm
looks to be a deccent basketball shoe, although i would’nt pay retail for it, i’ll cop if it goes on clearance
Jul 24, 2009 at 6:42 pm
looks like a rain boot to me…
Jul 24, 2009 at 6:16 pm
HORRIBLE !!!!!
Jul 24, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Oh, and for what its worth, I’d like to request a Jordan Jumpman Elite 1 performance review.
Thatnks!
Jul 24, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Thanks for the review! I really like these, and am thinking about buying.
Can you elaborate on the whole “sneaker and the foot are not in unison consistently when making sharp moves” experience? Sounds like these may be prone to induce foot/ankle injuries.
Thanks!
Jul 24, 2009 at 5:17 pm
yeah we need more rated sneakers helps the pub. make better dec. instead of finding out the sneaker hurts the feet u knoww…
Jul 24, 2009 at 5:07 pm
SWEEEEEEEEEEET! nicekicks!,
can y’all rate more shoes ,
like the nike lebron zoom 3s or hypermax because i ball in both & their both Excellent