Verdict from 22 experts and +100 user reviews
9 reasons to buy
- The Air Jordan XXXII looks amazing according to many wearers.
- Several users are commenting that the latest Air Jordan basketball shoes are very comfortable to wear both on and off the court.
- Majority of the testers agree that the AJ XXXII’s decoupled Zoom Air cushioning feels better than AJ XXXI’s full-length Zoom Air. It just feels more balanced and stable than last year’s model.
- A good number of buyers are very satisfied with how the Air Jordan 32 performs. They simply don’t have anything to complain about.
- On clean courts, nearly all testers declare that the traction is just beastly. Russel Westbrook’s second signature shoe is also garnering the same praise from players.
- Almost all reviewers are impressed with the XXXII’s new Flyknit material. They say that it moves well with the foot and offers a lot of containment.
- Some wearers are saying that the fit becomes perfect after you break in these Air Jordan basketball shoes. The materials mold to your foot nicely, delivering a one-to-one fit.
- The support and lockdown are just fantastic, many commend. There is no internal slippage of any kind.
6 reasons not to buy
- One buyer notices that like other Jordan Brand releases, the sizing selection for the Air Jordan XXXII is limited.
- Most testers notice that the Flyknit upper initially feels tight but will loosen up after a few runs.
- Some purchasers are complaining that these Air Jordan basketball shoes are too tight and not wide-feet friendly.
- A small number of players find the Air Jordan 32 a bit heavy and bulky.
- The materials are not breathable, a handful remark.
- A few wearers observe that right out of the box, the Air Jordan XXXII’s cushioning feels stiff and will require some time to break in. Players have the same gripe regarding the 33rd installment of Michael Jordan’s signature sneaker.
Bottom line
With its great design, premium materials, excellent cushioning, beastly traction, and amazing support; the Air Jordan XXXII certainly looks and plays the part. It is aesthetically pleasing and packed with updated technologies that most sneaker geeks will drool over.
Aside from the quick break-in period and occasional wipes on dusty floors, the Air Jordan XXXII has no major flaws to speak of. It also has everything most players are looking for in a performance basketball sneaker, a trend that the more recently released Air Jordan 33 doest not deviate from.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 100/100 by TheBragAffair
- 100/100 by Dunk or Three
- 100/100 by Schwollo
- 100/100 by WearTesters
- 84/100 by SoleCollector
- 100/100 by WearTesters
- 88/100 by Head Jordan
- 90/100 by BasketballDiagnostics
- 92/100 by BBallEquips
- 95/100 by JORDANSFORALL
User reviews:
- 4.8/5 by Amazon (8)
Video reviews
Good to know
The newest addition to Michael’s legendary Air Jordan series pairs premium materials with performance technologies, propelling it to the modern age. Perfectly balancing modern innovation and heritage-inspired style, the Air Jordan XXXII pushes the limits of luxury design while still staying true to Jordan Brand’s DNA.
Building on the brand’s impressive legacy, the Air Jordan XXXII has everything you need to dominate the game. Its Flyknit upper is accentuated with high-quality leather for heightened support and flexibility while its exaggerated and stylized mid-top collar enhances lateral stability. The FlightSpeed technology unleashes the power of the Zoom Air units, allowing you to explode off the hardwood and take flight.
Cushion. In the heel and forefoot, low-profile Nike Zoom Air units offer impact protection and lightweight responsiveness.
The tuned-up FlightSpeed technology is positioned over the forefoot Zoom Air bag to maximize responsiveness and improve court feel. FlightSpeed’s flexible moderator plate distributes the foot’s compression force, delivering springy energy return for an explosive first step.
The Air Jordan XXXII also has a carbon fiber composite that allows forefoot flexibility while also providing torsional rigidity.
Traction. The Air Jordan 32’s solid rubber outsole is equipped with a fresh traction pattern to prevent slipping on the court. Formed by a series of wiper-blade-like shapes that spell out XXXII, the modernized herringbone pattern delivers multidirectional grip that works on any surface.
Length and Width. The Air Jordan XXXII reportedly runs true to size. Both wide and normal-footers are advised to order their actual size. However, it is still best to first try the shoes in-store before purchasing.
Lockdown. The Air Jordan XXXII’s lacing system seamlessly integrates with the Flyknit upper for comfortable support and distraction-free lockdown.
Built into the knit material is an interior harness system that includes webbing to lock your foot in place completely. An internal foam collar and heel add comfort and stability while the shoe’s lofted design ensures zonal lockdown.
The Air Jordan line continues to evolve to fit the needs of the NBA’s top athletes. Crafted with premium materials, the Air Jordan XXXII’s Flyknit construction has zoned areas that offer support and stretch where it’s needed most.
Like a sock, the Jordan-specific Flyknit fabric is made with high-tenacity yarns and is engineered to conform to your foot shape for lightweight and breathable comfort.
The Air Jordan XXXII’s knit structure is more flexible than any previous upper the brand has created. It is designed to reduce forefoot stiffness and modernize the moccasin-like toe box of this Jordan II-inspired basketball shoe.
Keeping with the retro-inspired theme of the Air Jordan XXXI, the XXXII pays tribute to the Italian-made Air Jordan II.
With the II, Michael wanted a game-ready shoe that is stylish enough to be worn off-court. With that in mind, the brand headed to Italy to create a luxurious basketball sneaker.
The Air Jordan II is the first-ever luxury basketball shoe and is famous for its sophisticated Italian look. Jordan Brand Vice President of Design David Creech explains, “We craft every detail from macro to micro, obsessing fit, form and function. Thirty years ago, they obsessed those same details when designing the AJ II, which led to the premium materials and the innovative style of Italy. Our goal with the AJ XXXII was to combine the essence of the AJ II with today’s best innovation to create a distinct design language both on and off the court.”
Mimicking its design, the AJ XXXII is the first Air Jordan model that features a Flyknit upper with premium leather accents. The original Jordan wings logo is displayed on the tongue while on the sides, the iconic Jumpman logo can be seen.
The launch colorway of the Air Jordan XXXII stays true to its Italian roots. Rosso Corsa (Racing Red in English) is the historic international motor racing color of cars from Italy. Aside from this, several hues that pay tribute to Michael’s storied career were also made available.
- Black/University Red ‘MJ Day’ a.k.a ‘Bred’
- Black/White/Court Purple/Turbo Green ‘Board Room’ a.k.a ‘CEO’
- Black/White/Wolf Grey/University Red ‘MVP’ a.k.a ‘Black Cement’
- Pure Platinum/Hyper Royal ‘Pure Platinum’
- University Red/Black ‘Rosso Corsa’
Air Jordan XXXII ‘Black Cat’
The Air Jordan XXXII ‘Black Cat’ colorway celebrates all of Michael’s six championships. These MJ shoes feature a full-black upper with silver accents and iridescent detailing on the Wings and Jumpman logos. Other cool details include the “Black Cat” call-out on the inner tongue and the years of Michael’s six championships running down the heel.
Air Jordan XXXII ‘Chinese New Year’
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style. Featuring a similar graphic seen on the Air Jordan 6, the Air Jordan XXXII “Chinese New Year” greets 2018 with striking images and embroidered details.
These Air Jordan basketball shoes come alive with its red and gold accents. Its smoothed-out panels are embroidered with blooming Chinese flowers backdropped by brilliant fireworks to signal the promise of a prosperous year. Chinese characters and the number “2018” are written on the inner tongues to complete the motif.
Air Jordan XXXII ‘Finale’
As the name suggests, the Air Jordan 32 ‘Finale’ could be one of the last colorways of this model. These Michael Jordan basketball shoes feature a multi-colored Flyknit upper with a white leather panel across the heel. Finishing of the silhouette is a large Wings logo on the heel and the word “Finale” stitched on the inner tongue.
Air Jordan XXXII NRG ‘Italy’
The limited edition Air Jordan NRG ‘Italy’ is a lifestyle iteration the borrows the premium construction of Michael’s 1987 game shoes. Instead of Flyknit, these Michael Jordan sneakers are reconstructed with premium Italian leather. Other high-end touches include a reptile-textured heel overlay and quilted insoles. Limited to just 323 pairs, this luxurious rendition is individually numbered and retails for $200.
Air Jordan XXXII ‘Russ’ a.k.a ‘Why Not?’
Jordan Brand celebrates the 2017 NBA MVP’s achievements with an OKC-inspired colorway. Dressed in the Thunder’s team colors, the Air Jordan XXXII ‘Russ’ a.k.a ‘Why Not?’ features a blue-based upper with contrasting orange accents. Westbrook’s “Why Not?” motto is seen on the inner tongue, insoles, and translucent outsole.
Air Jordan XXXII ‘UNC’
Covered in UNC’s blue color scheme, this particular colorway pays tribute to Michael’s alma mater. The Air Jordan 32 ‘UNC’ boasts a Kurim overlay with a call-out for each of the Tar Heels National Championships seen on the heel. A marbled midsole and icy translucent outsole complete the university-inspired theme.
How Air XXXII compares
