Overview
Today we’re having a closer look and review the features of the Jordan Stay Loyal sneaker, one of the latest of the Jumpman’s brand sneaker lineup. This is one of the latest styles from the Jordan brand introduced in 2021 that brings together classic and modern elements. Inspired from MJ signature sneaker line this is , much like the Dub Zero , Point Lane or the Aura, a hybrid sneaker. It follows the “Be Loyal” sneaker released the year before and much like that one, it takes cues from some of the most popular retros of the Air Jordan line, namely the AJ 11 and the AJ 12. The patented mudguard and the rising sun flag pattern from the upper are elements that many recognize from the two renowned sneakers.
How They Fit
For our review we got a couple of colorways, one in black/chile red and one in all black, with the latter being one of the colorways released in 2022 that use regular leather in the front instead of the patented one. The shoes fit well out of the box and I would say they run true to size, however for those between sizes or with wide feet I would surely suggest going up half a size. While they feel good with the first try, being a leather sneaker, some break in period is recommended before taking these on the basketball court. They surely look and feel like a solid pair of sneakers that are made to last.
Upper
The Jordan Loyal features a mesh material with the Rising Sun pattern found on Jordan 12. The front leather overlay looks like a big mudguard, much like the one from the Jordan Retro 11’s.It also features a thin cushioning for the tongue and ankle collar. Jordan branding can be found on the heel, tongue and outsole much like most sneakers from the brand. The toe box is a bit narrow if you have slightly wider feet like me but if you get a ½ size larger than your normal size that should not be an issue. The tongue is not secured in place on the sides so it may slide down to one side or another. The overall upper may seem a bit bulky for some but the shoe is overall pretty light for the materials used and how durable it is.
Sole Unit
The midsole features a visible Air Max unit and a combination of EVA and reinforced rubber that is placed strategically so the shoe will provide the right amount of support on the court. It also features a typical EVA insole that adds even more cushioning. The Outsole has a nice pattern that provides a good traction on the court. The main thing that we noticed during this Jordan Stay Loyal review is that this is a very versatile sneaker; you can easily wear it casually, to school, work and play basketball. It is not a performance basketball shoe for sure but it will do quite well for occasional court play.
Bottom Line
All in all , to conclude our Jordan Loyal review, this is a stylish retro inspired sneaker that is well worth the money. With a retail price tag of $110 this is a no brainer in my opinion. Despite its low key release, the Jordan Stay Loyal is a solid shoe that offers all day comfort and does great as a casual sneaker as well as on the basketball court. Given its success of this sneaker Jordan brand came up with the Stay Loyal 2 just a couple of years later. However, if you’re looking for a basketball shoe with modern looks and updated technology the Jordan Luka 1 is a good place to start. Unsure about your size? You can check the Jordan shoe size chart here.
