This is my review of Jordan Why Not Zer0.3.
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Quick Summary
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for: Players at any skill level, but ideal for those with superior athletic prowess
Pros: Incredibly comfortable. They give your feet the feeling of security without foot pain. You’ll float around the court on them, making quick cuts with minimal effort.
Cons: They have small straps on the tongue and back that can be a nuisance. They began to rub on my ankle while playing, causing some irritation.
Alternatives: Jordan Proto React, Nike Zoom Freak 2, Adidas Pro Bounce
Why Trust Me
As an avid basketball player for over thirty years, having played and coached at the collegiate level, I know that wearing the right sneakers can be critical.
After several sprained ankles from bad footwear, I can immediately sense when I’ve found good ones. I’m excited to take you through my process of finding the best sneaker. Your game and ankles are in good hands with me.
Let’s jump right in and take a closer look at the Air Jordan “Why Not?” Zer0.3s. Hopefully, my review will help you decide whether they’ll work for you.
Detailed Review
Every basketball fan knows the impact Michael Jordan has made on the game—both on the court and through his culture-defining sneakers.
Jordan has recruited great current players to don his shoes, including Russell Westbrook. Westbrook’s “Why Not” shoes are ideal for wearing on the court—and they look unique and stylish as well.
What makes Westbrook’s “Why Not” Zer0.3s so desirable boils down to two simple benchmarks: comfort and performance.
Comfort
Good sneakers are not a one-size-fits-all game. However, these come close to being the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.
I was impressed when I tried them on in the store, and that feeling carried over to the court when I played in them for the first time. Quick cuts can cause blistering in a new pair of sneaks, but I was able to stop on a dime in these.
Previously, Giannis’ Freak 2 sneakers held my title for Most Comfortable Basketball Shoe. The “Why Not?” Zer0.3s, however, have taken the throne.
I’m impressed by how loose they wear around the ankles (my only real gripe about the Freak 2). The Zoom Air cushioning present at the forefoot also enhances comfort.
After I played, I felt no soreness. Sneakers often need a couple of spins around the track before assimilating to your foot. The Zer0.3s felt comfortable from tip-off all the way through my post-workout.
Performance
Due to the ferocity with which Russell Westbrook plays, you know his signature shoes need to offer top-tier control and support. The Zer0.3s don’t disappoint here. I could cut with maximum effectiveness without pain or blistering, and I felt secure on both ends of the court.
The front strap helps give your foot added security. The heel pocket ensures that no extra movement happens, which could lead to injury when playing at a high level.
I felt like I could play full-force without worrying. At 38 years old, I could go up and down the court with the same tenacity I had while playing in college.
The shoe is tough and pliable—fluid when you move while not losing that sense of security in the process. That, combined with its traction and the Zoom Air cushion, will assuredly boost your game.
Design
These sneakers feel and look great. My sneaker choices are generally more traditional, with a basic color scheme. I usually like my sneakers to blend in. The Zer0.3s pop on my feet.
When I told the Footlocker guy I was getting these to play in, he said, “Wait, you’re just going to wear these for basketball? I would get some use out of them before playing ball in them.”
After wearing them several times, I am happy to report that they make a pretty big statement on the court, too. The styles incorporated are functional and fashionable. The outside straps connecting to the lowest lace actually seem to help hold the sneaker together.
Color-wise, I went with Melon Tint/Hyper Crimson/Coconut Milk/Atomic Orange, or as I like to call it, “creamsicle.” As someone who would never wear these colors normally, I have to say they really pulled it off. They look beautiful.
What I Like
From an outside perspective, these sneakers just look fun to wear, and I wasn’t disappointed when I got them on. I felt confident playing in them, and I do seem to perform better in them.
I felt more athletic in them, too. Jumping up for rebounds came easier. Landing after a rebound, layup, or block attempt was like coming down on a pair of clouds.
Overall, they protected my feet fantastically—from my ankle down to the areas on my foot that tend to blister.
What I Dislike
Like I said earlier, the Zer0.3 sneakers have straps on the tongue and back of the shoe that rub. It became a nuisance during my time wearing them.
I’m sure there are simple preventative measures that would get rid of it. However, if comfort is the sneaker’s top priority, I’m surprised no one caught this before production.
As someone who’s had hundreds of teammates in my basketball lifetime, I am well aware that no one pair of feet is created equal.
The deceptively loose feeling that I get while wearing them (which I absolutely love) might make someone else feel insecure.
The Alternatives
If you want the same features the “Why Not?” Zer0.3’s offer without the flashy color schemes, then try out these other options. The great thing about basketball is that you’re not far off from finding a comfortable pair of shoes. These alternatives may do the trick.
If you’re looking for high-quality shoes while staying loyal to the Jordan brand name, then look no further. They don’t have the same curb appeal as the “Why Not?” Zer0.3s, but they perform well on the court. Some are more comfortable in a low top pair of sneakers; these are it for the Jordan brand.
Check out my in-depth review of these sneakers here. The Freak 2 sneakers combine comfort and security to make a shoe fit for any type of athlete. If you want sneakers fit for a freak athlete, then these are a great alternative.
Pro Bounce sneakers are wonderful for support. They rest high around your ankle, so you feel it in every move you make. Athletes report excellent traction and sole in these; they’re a terrific, budget-friendly sneaker choice.
FAQs
Do they run big or small?
I found these to fit my feet just right. I have worn a size 12 since 9th grade. The front of the sneakers gave my toes enough room to move at a fast pace during games without issue.
Can they be worn on outdoor courts?
They can, but their traction, like many sneakers, loses grip significantly. They’re made for ideal conditions, like a freshly swept indoor court without much dust or condensation.
Final Verdict
The Jordan “Why Not?” Zer0.3 sneakers are winners in my book. I was thoroughly impressed with their performance and comfort from the first time I wore them. I’ve only played in them a handful of times, but they’ve held up nicely and still look fresh out of the box.
I look forward to continuing my basketball journey in this particular pair of sneakers. Who knows, maybe I’ve found my perfect sneaker after only thirty years of trying!
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