Our verdict
Light and effectively supportive, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.5 is for players who want to go fast on the court. Its traction pattern works well on rough surfaces, making this shoe a dependable companion for outdoor games. Given its funky colorway and comfortable fit, this Jordan shoe can really double as an everyday sneaker.
Pros
- Dependable traction on rough surfaces
- Forefoot Zoom feels nice and explosive
- Wraparound comfort
- No need to break the shoe in
- Effective lockdown mechanisms
- Wide-footer friendly
- Feels really light on foot
- Ready for the outdoors
- Great for everyday wear
Cons
- So-so heel compression
- Cheap-feeling materials
- Tongue not padded enough
Who should buy the Jordan Why Not Zer0.5
This Jordan basketball shoe is going to suit you so well if you are looking for a shoe that:
- accommodates wide feet
- is really light and supportive
- doubles as a lifestyle sneaker
- hits the ground running; no need to break in
- works well on rough outdoor courts
Who should NOT buy this basketball shoe from Jordan
Players with narrow and normal feet may want to wear thick socks so that the Jordan Why Not Zer0.5 fits them better. If doing this is not their thing, they can always go for the Air Jordan 36 or the Nike KD 14; these are shoes with a rather narrow build.
While the Why Not 5 fits bigger players well, this shoe may still turn them off if they are looking for a lot of impact protection. They are better off getting the Nike LeBron 19.
On rough surfaces, the grip is indeed strong
The nubs on the rubber outsole prevent slips and make sure that the feet are securely planted. This basketball shoe's traction is best felt on surfaces that deliver the most friction.
Forefoot Zoom that you can actually feel
The front part of the shoe is equipped with a Zoom unit that really delivers significant energy return. The structure of the forefoot also allows the shoe to provide a good amount of court feel.
While the heel area is still able to compress upon impact, the protection that it gives is still not comparable to really cushy shoes such as the Nike LeBrons.
The Jordan Why Not Zer0.5 is quite roomy
This basketball shoe from the Jordan brand provided enough wiggle room for the toe. Those who want a snug fit can wear socks that are thicker.
Being this spacious, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.5 is suitable for basketball players who have wide feet.
Jordan surely did not forget comfort when making this shoe
The materials that make up the upper are thin and feel minimal. It doesn't really hurt even if you wear this shoe for a long time. Given this shoe's artful aesthetics, you can even wear this on casual strolls around town.
It must be noted here that the tongue doesn't have that much padding. While really comfortable, the materials still feel a bit cheap. The craftsmanship can still use some improvement as there are visible glue stains all over the shoe. But it's not like someone will really zoom in on your shoe when you pass by, right?
Foot containment? The Why Not Zer0.5 surely did not forget about this
The external heel counter and the lacing system work together to lock the foot down securely.
