Verdict from 23 experts and +100 user reviews
8 reasons to buy
- A few wearers love the futuristic look of the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1. They say it is fire on and off the court.
- These basketball shoes provide unbeatable containment and support, nearly all players report.
- The fit is just perfect according to most wearers.
- Majority of the testers are impressed with the cushioning. They are saying that it is perfectly balanced and gives you the right amount of bounce, responsiveness, and even stability. Kobe’s first Protro is also equipped with full-length Zoom.
- Some are claiming that out of all the full-length Zoom Air setups, the Why Not Zer0.1’s is their favorite.
- The traction holds up really well in any court condition, most users commend.
- Like the Why Not’s second iteration, these Jordan basketball shoes provide rock-solid lockdown, many wearers declare. The giant heel counter does a great job of locking in your heel, eliminating any kind of internal sliding.
- A good number of players are satisfied with the upper’s flexibility and durability. They say that even though the materials used are not premium, the upper still stretches and moves with your foot beautifully while still retaining its strength.
7 reasons not to buy
- The traction is shallow and picks up a good amount of dust, some players report. Frequent wiping is advised.
- A lot of wearers are complaining about the lack of breathability. They are saying that the shoes have terrible ventilation and get really hot after a few hours of play.
- The Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 runs a little long and narrow, several observe.
- A few users have a hard time putting on these basketball shoes.
- According to some testers, outdoor use is not recommended.
- The cushioning feels stiff and takes some time to break in, a handful claim.
- A few owners are annoyed with the ankle collar. They are asserting that the collar digs into the ankle, causing some pain during play.
Bottom line
Jordan Brand did not disappoint with Russell Westbrook’s first on-court signature model. Reviewers agree that the Why Not Zer0.1 is a perfectly balanced basketball shoe that does everything well. Once you take these basketball shoes out for a spin, you’ll see right away that the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 perfectly complements the 2017 MVP’s explosive style of play. If you like going fast and hard just like Brodie, these Jordan basketball shoes will have you driving to the hoop without fear.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 88/100 by Kicks Heat
- 92/100 by OneonOneTesters
- 85/100 by KicksHeat
- 85/100 by JORDANSFORALL
- 90/100 by KD11Sale
- 96/100 by CNBlogs
- 100/100 by WearTesters
- 90/100 by Schwollo
- 90/100 by LiveforBball
- 94/100 by BBallEquips
- 94/100 by BasketballDiagnostics
- 97/100 by WearTesters
- 85/100 by OneonOneTesters
Video reviews
Good to know
Perfectly capturing the essence of the 2017 League MVP, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 is a contemporary basketball shoe that has on-court brash and off-court eccentricity. The shoe’s highlight is its smooth vamp that offers optimal forefoot containment, Westbrook’s key footwear need, while also serving as a canvass where he can tell his story.
The futuristic silhouette features a fused mesh upper for a locked-in feel, a full-length Zoom Air unit for responsive cushioning, and a compression-molded phylon foam heel that is designed for flight.
Cushion. The Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 features a full-length Zoom Air unit that allows for a lightweight and low-to-the-ground feel.
The full-length Nike Zoom Air bag is encapsulated by a foam midsole. This cushioning setup delivers a responsive ride, perfect for Westbrook’s dynamic game.
Traction. The Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 has a durable rubber outsole with a rubber tread that delivers excellent traction. The herringbone tread pattern provides multidirectional grip, allowing you to move confidently in any direction.
Length and Width. Testers report that the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 fits true to size. Normal, semi-wide, and even wide-footers are advised to order their actual size. However, trying the shoes in-store is still highly recommended because of its snug fit.
Lockdown. Westbrook is always on his toes, ready to explode to the basket. Because of this no fear attitude, he requires optimal containment and stability.
To meet his specific performance need, Jordan Brand added several attributes to ensure the perfect fit and feel. “The biggest part is the amount of comfort and security the shoe provides,” Westbrook says. “It allows me to move and jump at a fast pace, something that I think is very, very important.”
Firstly, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 has a cleatie construction that offers a sock-like fit. It also features a hook-and-loop strap system that is designed to increase lockdown while its internal lacing is equipped with a front toggle to enable a customizable fit. Lastly, its compression-molded heel bucket, made of a phylon foam piece, is engineered to lock your feet securely in place so you can take off with confidence.
The Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 is constructed with synthetic and mesh to deliver comfortable containment. The textile and synthetic skin are fused together, creating a lightweight yet durable upper.
The Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 lets Westbrook perform at an elite level while also showing off his standout style. “My favorite part of the design process is storytelling,” Brodie said. “Being able to tell my story through colorways and at different times during the season is a lot of fun.”
The Why Not Zer0.1 debuts in a limited-release Mirror Image colorway. This PE version expresses how sporting icons are admired over generations. Intended to look like a heavily postered room, the right shoe showcases Westbrook while the left shoe puts the spotlight on Michael Jordan. After the Mirror Image’s short run, Jordan Brand will be releasing the official global launch colorway named 2-Way.
Perfectly capturing his game-changing presence on both ends of the floor, the 2-Way colorway is finished in contrasting white and black. From its smooth vamp to its jagged heel, the eye-catching design mirrors Westbrook’s on-court game and off-court look. He explains, “This shoe is futuristic and something that people will take a double look at.”
Russell Westbrook’s first on-court signature basketball shoe is available in several color options.
- Black/Gym Red ‘Bred’
- College Navy/Amarillo/White ‘Michigan’
- College Navy/College Navy/Pewter Grey ‘Georgetown’
- Orange Pulse/Hyper Royal/Sail ‘Cotton Shot’
- Tech Grey/Black/White/Orange ‘Fashion King’
- University Blue/White ‘UNC’
- White/Black ‘Two Way’
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 ‘All-Star’ a.k.a. ‘City of Flight’
This All-Star edition is dressed in black and white. Continuing the LA ‘City of Flight’ theme, the Why Not Zer0.1 'All-Star' features a white map graphic that is similar to previous retro Air Jordan releases.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 ‘Do You’
Jordan Brand encourages you to express yourself with the ‘Do You’ colorway of the Why Not Zer0.1. These all-white basketball shoes come with a pair of sharpie markers. The shoe’s white upper serves as the perfect canvass to show your individuality.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 ‘Masters’
The ‘Masters’ colorway pays tribute to Raynard Westbrook’s master's degree. Raynard is Russell’s little brother and the first in their family to get a Masters. The Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 ‘Masters’ features an all-black upper with mismatched tongues and heel accents.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 ‘Mirror Image’
The Why Not Zer0.1 debuts in a limited-release ‘Mirror Image’ colorway. This PE version expresses how sporting icons are admired over generations. Intended to look like a heavily postered room, the right shoe showcases Westbrook while the left shoe puts the spotlight on Michael Jordan.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 ‘Noah’
Russell Westbrook honors his son Noah with a special colorway of the Why Not Zer0.1. The Why Not Zer0.1 ‘Noah’ features Emerald accents as a nod to his son’s birthstone. Noah’s birthday can also be seen on the inside strap.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 ‘Tribute’
Featuring his high school colors, the ‘Tribute’ colorway pays respect to Westbrook’s late teammate and best friend Khelcey Barrs III. These mid-top basketball shoes are dressed in a combination of midnight navy, white, and metallic gold. Other details include Westbrook and Barrs’s numbers on the outsole along with “KB3” written on the tongue.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 ‘Triple Double’
Jordan Brand marks the first anniversary of Westbrook’s record-breaking 2017 season by launching an OKC-inspired colorway dubbed ‘Triple Double.’ These basketball shoes feature a black-based upper with hits of signal blue and team orange. “04/09/17” and “31/10/10” are featured on the left and right outsoles.
How Why Not Zer0.1 compares
