The Jordan Stay Loyal 2, one of the latest lifestyle sneakers from the Jumpman brand is up for a close up and a review this week. This is a hybrid sneaker that was released in 2022 and it’s a continuation of the “Loyal” series that started with the Be Loyal and the first version of this shoe a few years ago. They are all part of Jordan brand’s effort to diversify their products, by coming up with new sneakers with strong influences from their retro line. In addition to the ones mentioned above they also came up with the Dub Zero, 6 Rings the Point Lane ,Legacy 312 , Jumpman 2021 and several other models. They are all in essence lifestyle sneakers best suited for everyday wear but still quite versatile in athletic activities.
The Jordan Stay Loyal 2 lines up with this concept and it is in many ways similar to the first version. The colorway we came across was the black and white, one of the few available at the beginning of 2023. At a first look what’s immediately noticeable is that the sole unit is the same with the older model while the upper is completely changed. If the first version of this shoe had strong AJ11 and AJ12 vibes this second one does not have any striking resemblances other than the materials used or the branding.
How They Fit
Out of the box they look stylish with their strong retro vibe and they hold a bit of weight which is not surprising given the materials used. They fit true to size and it feels like they may need a bit of time to break in, especially if you have wider feet like me. If still unsure about your size you can check out the Jordan brand size chart here.
Upper
The upper of the Jordan Stay Loyal 2 is made of mesh, thumbled and synthetic leather. Overall the materials seem a bit cheap but that is what you can expect from a Jordan pair in this price range. They look durable, however. The way it was designed was to add some more breathability when compared to the old version but also to enhance the lockdown feel. The shoes feel a bit snug as basketball shoes tend to be, having a pretty good cushion in the ankle area. The patented leather on the black and red pair brings some resemblance to the AJ11, being a material that was used in the mudguard on the old version. As with many of the older Jordan styles they run a bit narrow. What we quickly came to realize during our short Jordan Stay Loyal 2 review is that the upper construction in combination with the sole setup unit makes up for a bit of a bulky shoe which is not too good for running, something to be expected from a retro inspired sneaker.
Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Jordan Stay Loyal 2 is unchanged from the previous version. It features a Phylon midsole with an Air Max unit in the heel similar to the early models from the retro line. It is a simple setup that works just fine for a lifestyle sneaker. It delivers a nice cushioning and support for all day wear which makes these great for school or in general as casual sneakers that you can wear all day. The outsole is herringbone which we generally find at performance basketball shoes which means great traction if you decide to actually take these on the court and prefer it to the more modern basketball shoes like the Luka 1 or Zoom Freak 4.
Are Jordan Stay Loyal 2 basketball shoes?
The Jordan Stay Loyal 2 is primarily a lifestyle sneaker rather than a dedicated basketball shoe. Compared with the performance basketball shoes available on the market today they feature outdated technology, much like the retros its design was inspired from. They are meant to be a shoe for those who want a retro inspired sneaker that they can wear all day and use them on the court occasionally if the opportunity arises. It is a versatile shoe that can be used for basketball but it is more fitted as a casual sneaker.
Are Jordan Stay Loyal 2 comfortable?
They are very comfortable for day to day use due to the upper padding, breathable materials and the outsole which features Air Max technology in the heel. The sole unit is built so they provide optimal stability and arch support for long hours.
Bottom Line
To conclude our Jordan Stay Loyal 2 review, this is an excellent all around everyday sneaker that is worth every penny. At a retail price of $115 you get a solid sneaker that will last and a look that certainly will make an impression. It offers good support for long hours and it is very comfortable once you break them in a bit. It is certainly one sneaker to keep in mind when looking for a retro inspired shoe that will not break the bank.
Update: In 2023 Jordan brand introduced the Stay Loyal 3, the next iteration from the series.
