Overview
This week we came across a pair of the Jordan Stadium 90, making it a good time to check it out and review its looks. This is a new retro inspired low sneaker that was released in the spring of 2023, being a great addition to the hybrid sneakers series from the Jordan brand like the Dub Zero or 6 Rings. It is in essence an homage to some of the best models from the Air Jordan retro line designed by Tinker Hatfield, more specifically the AJ1 and the AJ5. A couple of months after its initial release a special edition was available on Social Status. It was a black and white colorway that featured distinct logos on the tongue and better materials than the original.
First Impressions
The pair we got our hands on was the white and green one that was among the first ones released for this model . They come in an off white, specially designed box that features the same special logo made for this model from fonts that were used on the above-mentioned retros. As you open the box there is a cool graphic that outlines the design elements borrowed from the AJ1 and A5. They look very stylish, feel sturdy and comfortable out of the box.
How They Fit
The Jordan Stadium 90 fits true to size, similar to the Air Jordan 1, the two sharing the same toe box design. As it was the case with the retro model if you are wide footed going up half a size it’s best. Given their sturdy construction a little bit of break in will make these feel even better over time. If not sure about your size check out this Jordan size chart.
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Upper
The upper of the Jordan Stadium 90 is made of a leather material with a thin polyurethane layer on top which adds some protection but also tends to crease easily. It is not the best type of leather, something that you’d expect from a $140 shoe. The suede leather could not miss from a retro inspired shoe but again, it looks like a cheaper material compared to the Social Status version that only was $5 more expensive. There is heavy padding in the heel collar area which enhances the cushioning and foot lockdown you get when wearing these. The side paneling and the front perforations provide decent air flow, standard for a retro shoe. The most striking part about the upper is the design elements borrowed from the retros, like the AJ1 toebox and the AJ5 shark teeth and paneling (which can also be associated with the AJ4). The upper is overall roomy, comfortable and also looks very durable.
Are Jordan Stadium 90 shoes comfortable?
The Jordan Stadium 90 are very comfortable out of the box, with plenty of padding in the collar area, tongue and sole unit. While you don’t feel any special bounciness from the Formula 23 foam, in combination with the Air unit in the heel they offer good support for long hours, keeping your feet from getting tired too fast.
Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Jordan Stadium 90 features a solid construction, with both rubber and the signature Formula 23 EVA foam. This is the same we’ve seen at the Luka 1 or AJ37 but from my experience from doing this review I did not feel the same comfort as with the other models. That is likely because the layer under foot for this model is quite thin and does not have much impact. The shoes also feature an Air unit in the heel for an extra bounce that is hard to tell that it exists. The outsole has a simple pattern but it is quite grippy with a good traction indoors especially.
Are Jordan Stadium 90 sneakers good for basketball?
While the Jordan Stadium 90 look was inspired from retro basketball shoes, they were designed as lifestyle sneakers. But if you decide to take them on the court they will excel in stability and good grip on the indoor courts.
Who are they for?
The Jordan Stadium 90 is not a sneaker that only the sneakerheads will appreciate. It is a stylish, comfortable, durable shoe that many would find as a great fit when looking for an athletic shoe with strong retro vibes that they can wear every day and even take to the gym.
Bottom Line
The Jordan Stadium 90 is surely a nice addition to the brand’s retro sneakers lineup. It is a shoe that celebrates the brand’s heritage, one that seems to be appreciated by sneakerheads. It is a shoe that offers a good amount of versatility beside its lifestyle sneaker label. From what I noticed in this review they offer great stability so you can take them to the gym for light exercises, weight lifting or even for skateboarding. The $140 retail price seems a bit high to me for what you get but some of the colorways have been on sale already so there is a good chance you’ll find it cheaper somewhere.
