Who should buy the Air Jordan Alpha 1

The Air Jordan Alpha 1 is a solid choice if:

  • You are looking for a basketball shoe with the ability to shield and protect your feet sufficiently during hard landings. 
  • A sneaker that bites the court well and prevents court slippage is what you prefer. 
  • You are after a shoe with ample ventilation to keep your feet neat and healthy.
  • A basketball companion ideal as well for casual wear is what you need.

Who should not buy the Air Jordan Alpha 1

The Air Jordan Alpha 1 might not be for players looking for a basketball shoe that offers lasting comfort throughout the game. There are reports that some wearers experience arch discomfort during game time. It might not also be ideal for outdoor hoops as the shoe's outsole tends to catch dust. To suit your needs, you might want to have a look at other Air Jordan models.

Profile of the Air Jordan Alpha 1

Continuing the legacy and commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the game-changing Air Jordan 1 is the creation of a more contemporary interpretation of the iconic basketball sneaker.

Like Kobe Bryant’s Proto series, the Air Jordan Alpha 1 combines retro-inspired style with updated performance technologies. These Michael Jordan basketball shoes feature the classic Air Jordan 1 silhouette packed with modern technologies such as a synthetic upper, padded collar, Phylon midsole, and full-length Zoom Air.

Performance

Cushion. The Air Jordan Alpha 1 boasts a thick Phylon midsole with a bottom-loaded full-length Zoom Air unit for dynamic cushioning that brings you closer to the court.

Traction. An updated version of the original Air Jordan 1 outsole, the Alpha 1 features a circular traction pattern combined with some herringbone that increasea multidirectional grip on and off the hardwood.

Fit

Length and Width. According to reports, these Michael Jordan basketball shoes fit a little big. Buyers may go a half size down for a snug fit.

Lockdown. Similar to the first Air Jordan, the Air Jordan Alpha 1 features a lace-up closure and a mid-to-high-top cut that secures and locks in the fit of the wearers' feet. An internal heel counter and a flat base add stability during side-to-side movements.

Material

The Alpha 1 features a combination of fuse and synthetic materials that offers enhanced support, breathability, and durability. Inside these basketball sneakers, a padded ankle collar provides increased comfort.

Style

Unseasoned sneakerheads may have some difficulty telling the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan Alpha 1 apart. However, upon closer inspection, buyers notice the thicker midsole, minimal stitching on the outsole, and an updated traction pattern. Other details include the Wings logo on the collar as well as ‘Since 85’ and a Jumpman logo on the heel.

Special Colorways of the Air Jordan Alpha 1

The Alpha 1 is available in both classic AJ1 and new colorways. These shoes are also available for customization via NikeID.

  • Black/Metallic Silver 3M Reflective
  • Black/Varsity Maize
  • Black/Varsity Red ‘Bred’
  • Black/Varsity Royal
  • Black/White/University Blue
  • Chocolate/Black
  • White/Black/Varsity Red ‘Chicago’
  • White/Black/Royal Blue
  • White/Red/Black ‘W3LCOME HOME’
  • Sweet Birch/Black/Orange Blaze ‘Tinker Hatfield’

Facts / Specs

Weight: 13.4oz
Top: High
Signature: Michael Jordan
Lockdown: Lace-Up
Collection: Air Jordan
Features: Ankle support

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Author
Dimitrije Curcic
Dimitrije Curcic

Dimitrije Curcic has been playing basketball for over 22 years. Like Manu Ginobili, he’s a left-hander whose moves led him to a better career-shooting percentage than the Argentine himself. After playing professionally for 10 years, Dimitrije moved to coaching for two seasons before he became a basketball statistician for StatScore, and FanSided contributor for the San Antonio Spurs. Dimitrije loves to tell hoop stories through numbers and graphics and has been featured on Fansided, FiveThirtyEight, Eurohoops, and TalkBasket among the others.