Air Jordan 20 review

Who should buy the Air Jordan 20

This Air Jordan basketball shoe is a great match for you if:

• You are after a shoe that can rock the basketball court and the streets
• You want a shoe with a reliable grip on any type of floor
• You prefer a pair that provides comfort to your feet

Who should not buy the Air Jordan 20

Several hoopers find the Air Jordan 20 difficult to put on, while some complained that its outsole clogs up. Air Jordan 30 and Air Jordan 18 Retro are great alternatives that address these issues.

As for those who are not fans of the ankle strap of this shoe but love to rock high-tops, they can switch to either the first Michael Jordan hoop sneaker or the eleventh Jordan signature shoe.

Spoil your feet with comfort

When it comes to comfort, basketball players have nothing but praise for the Air Jordan 20. Many mention that their feet sit comfortably while wearing this pair. It's not surprising since the shoe features a new exclusive technology called I.P.S or Independent Podular Suspension which consists of ten foam pods that are strategically placed in key areas.

Responsive but difficult to put on

Some also mention that aside from providing comfort, this shoe also absorbs impact and delivers responsiveness. It also allows them to move freely on the court, thanks to the shoe's Phylon carrier. However, many complained that the ankle collar does not stretch, which makes the shoe difficult to put on.

Grippy on court floors

According to a large number of buyers, the Air Jordan 20 grips the court floor well - especially when it's indoors and clean. This is due to the strategically placed herringbone grooves in the outsole.

However, a handful of players complain that the grooves on the outsole get clogged up easily.

Tricky size, consider sizing down

While some people who bought this pair comment that it fits true to size, most buyers mention that first-time buyers with normal-sized feet should go half a size down if they want a snug fit.

It shields and supports

Similar to other shoes from the Air Jordan mid-top series, many hoopers mention that the Air Jordan 20 provides great ankle support and foot containment. This makes sense as the pair consists of an inner sleeve that anchors the shoelaces and an outer synthetic layer that gives the shoe its form.

In the comments, several users are pleased with the flexibility and mobility they get from this pair - thanks to its free-floating strap.

Air Jordan 20 materials

The upper of the Air Jordan 20 has two layers. The inner sleeve is where the shoelaces with stylish chrome aglets are anchored. The out layer is made of synthetic leather, and it has a midfoot strap.

The asymmetrical toe cap helps protect the shoe from occasional toe drags.

Stability and durability in one shoe

Basketball players commend this shoe for its stability which allows them to focus on winning and not worry about ankle injuries. 

Most shoe owners also mentioned that the Air Jordan 20 is durable, and all credit goes to its upper which is made of premium materials.

Get to know the Air Jordan 20

The Air Jordan 20 is a shoe with a story to tell. The lasered graphics on the upper represent aspects of the life of Michael Jordan and the Air Jordan brand. The numbers on the heel counter have the following meanings:

• 123456. The “123456” represents the six championship rings that Michael Jordan had won while playing for the Chicago Bulls.
• 85. The number “85” stands for 1985, the year the Jordan brand is born.
• 2005. The number “2005” represents the 20th year of the Air Jordan line.
• 20. The number “20” of course stands for the shoe’s model number.
• 23. The number “23” stands for Michael Jordan’s jersey number.

The twenty herringbone pods on the outsole celebrate the 20th anniversary of the shoe. It is reported that the design of the Air Jordan 20 is inspired by 6 different Jordan shoe models. The Jumpman logo is found on the heel counter and the tongue.

Air Jordan 20: A quick look at its history

The Air Jordan 20 was originally released in 2005, which marked the 20th year of the Air Jordan series. Designer Tinker Hatfield returned and teamed up with Michael Jordan himself to work on this shoe.  This is Hatfield’s first Air Jordan after the 15.

The shoe features the exclusive Independent Podular Suspension (IPS) technology in the midsole. It is said to provide impact protection and prevent stress on the knees. The outsole has a combination of traction patterns working together to provide amazing stopping power. The strap doubles the foot containment the shoelaces already provide.

The leather upper of the Air Jordan 20 features a dynamic change in design. The important events in the life of Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand are told through the lasered graphics on the strap of the midfoot and the numbers on the rear panel.