JA 3 Performance Review

Since the initial images of these started, they have been one of the most anticipated Nike Basketball sneakers this year! How did they perform?? Let's find out!

What is going on, my fellow hoopers?? Today, we have a highly anticipated pair to talk about here with the Ja 3. I have had super high expectations, and they may not have reached all of the bars I set.. Nonetheless, they are super fun and will be seen all over the court this season! We will dive right in and see what worked and what didn't for me on court!

Aesthetics: 5/5

We do not always do an aesthetics section/review, but with these... yeah, definitely a 5/5! These might be the best-looking hoop shoes out right now. The upper design and detail are on point, and I love the graffiti type look with the swoosh and JA on the upper as well. There truthfully hasn't been a colorway yet that I disliked, so yeah, with these.. We have a serious contender for best-looking hoop shoe of the year!

Traction: 5/5

Getting into how these things performed on court though! The traction was definitely my favorite part, and what I would consider the strongest point of the shoe. Laterally and vertically, I had absolutely no issues. Clean courts, or dusty courts, you are completely covered as well, and I had no issues with picking up dust. I also played a little outdoors in these, and they held up not only very well, but the traction performed prime outdoors as well. You have a solid rubber outsole with almost a tire-looking type of grip, and they bite like crazy! Looking for a prime contender to win the squeak contest?? These will have you covered as well. This has never been something I was really concerned about for a performance upside, but if it is something you are looking for, these are the ones! These almost give me Kyrie-Nike model vibes, and definitely from a traction standpoint. Looking for strong traction?? These are it, and one of my favorite setups so far this season, traction-wise.

Fit: 4/5

By now, you probably know my hoop shoe size is normally half down from my casual size. This has always just been a preference of mine for a more snug fit. Maybe I should just consider that my tts, but either way I went down half. They worked well for me, but they are snug, and I could have gone more true to size on these. I could see some, maybe even wanting to go half a size up for an even looser fit. For wide-footers, I have already had some tell me these are just too snug, but don't give up just yet! If you can, try them on in-store and find the right size for you! Remember though, if you are looking to play in these and not just casual wear or vice versa, they are going to fit more snug, as that is how this whole line has been to begin with. This is not something that really bothers me, but it will be key to get your correct sizing for the performance to work well for you. If I were to purchase another pair, I would most likely go true to size. I have almost purchased the Halloween pair about 10 times now.. I need to just do it! Maybe after writing this review, I will go on and order another pair!

Cushion: 3/5

I know, I know, initially you are probably thinking 3/5? Are they bad or something?? Not at all, but I do believe these will be a preference shoe from a cushion standpoint. Some will love them, and some will be disappointed. This rating is more based upon my experience, mixed with what most others are usually looking for. These are definitely going to be court feel heavy, which you know I am normally ok with. I feel like most brands nowadays are doing a good job of giving a great mix of cushion/plush with the court feel I am looking for. These took me once again to a Kyrie-Nike model feel from a cushion standpoint. Back in those days, that was my favorite line due to traction and court feel. With these, you are getting Full Length Hybrid ZoomX. The feel is semi-plush with some break-in time, but you are definitely getting less plush and more court feel once again. I did really like how responsive they were, and they were fairly bouncy as well. If you are looking for a max cushioned feel, these will not be your choice on court, but if you are looking for less or minimal cushion with a lot of response you will be good to go with these! Personally, I liked how they felt, but I do think they could have been a little more plush or had a little more cushion as I am only getting older at this point lol. These knees and ankles just don't hold up the same way they used to. 10 years ago... yeah, these would have been a 5/5!

Materials: 4/5

The materials were something that I really had no issues with. They were fairly lightweight and were also very breathable. The durability has also worked out very well for me also. The materials are nothing premium, but the raised look/feel on the upper is a nice detail/touch. The ankle area is also fairly padded, and the materials feel pretty nice on foot. There was really nothing for me to complain about as they worked well for me from a materials standpoint, and gave me everything I needed for a hoop shoe. We could pick almost every hoop shoe apart, or wish the materials were better or more premium, but these do nothing but get the job done.

Lockdown: 4/5

Let's circle back to that snug fit you are getting, as that plays a role with the lockdown here. I had basically no movement at all within these, and I was happy for it. I was completely locked in from heel to toe and had no issues with any movements on court. These get me locked in and have me getting where I wanted to be at all times on court. The lacing setup is a little odd, and the laces were a little short. I would have preferred a little different or more standard setup, but once again, with the fit being snug, this really was more preference and not really an actual issue. I know I mentioned earlier that traction was the strongest point, and that's really just a preference thing, but for some lockdown may actually be the strongest point. I think both areas work hand in hand together and make this a super solid pair on court in both categories.

Overall: 4/5

A few things adjusted, and these would probably be my hoop shoe of the year to date. These are definitely still high on my list, but not quite number 1 right now. The traction alone is so good that it makes these a go-to in my bag at all times. The lockdown offers me no worries and keeps me feeling safe at all times on court. The look.. yeah, you just aren't beating that, and the cushion is enough to get the job done, especially due to the response. What more could you ask for?? They seem to just get better and better with each wear as well. If I were still playing competitively, these would instantly be one of the pairs to choose from for the season ahead. They are a very fun pair to play in, and also a fast pair to play in as well. If you have any interest in giving these a try, do not hesitate! You will probably end up loving them!

THANK YOU FOR CHECKING OUT THIS REVIEW ON THE JA 3!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK & AS ALWAYS HAPPY HOOPING!