Finally an ambassador worthy of the JB buzz machine
But does the new Jordan match the hype of the new face of JB?
Let’s face it, love or hate JB, you pay attention to the launch of the latest Jordans. Throw in all the influencer marketing on YouTube and you can’t really avoid it. Are they always aesthetically pleasing ? Not every shoe during MJ’s playing date were hot but most non MJ playing year have fallen on the the meh side of things. I think these look great but of course nobody is reading this for my style tips so on with the review !
Pros: traction, cushioning, fit, support, stability, containment
Cons: some wiping required on dustier floors, arch support may cause pain, pricey, materials are meh
Best for: any position
Sizing advice: true to size or half a size up. I really advise going in store to try on. Half size up would be the safest bet.
Buying advice: like all shoes these days these are sitting. Wait for discounts as these will get down to the $100-120 level like all Jordans these days. But can you hold off after watching Zion highlights is the real question.
Weight
15 ounces vs 15 ounces. Way to go JB!
Jordan brand touts these as one of the lightest Jordans ever and they are average weight for a mid despite the tech spec “upgrades”. “One of the lightest” is about as generic and broad of a sentence as you can get without lying. Most of the weight is on the bottom since the upper is so minimal. But hey if a someone thinks they are uber light so be it!
Traction
Thank you JBThin flexible and slightly modified herringbone really works well. It doesn’t squeak like crazy (nor does it matter). Just a good reliable pattern slightly angle to give a little more stopping power side to side.
It is not the best ever but it’s definitely up there and works well on all floor conditions. Some slight wiping on really dusty floors but not much at all. Well done JB!
Cushioning
Really lots of surface area coverage in the forefoot, and just a standard smallish rectangle in the heel. I’m sure Fastpass.cn will have a break down if they haven’t yet.
Even though it’s smallish you can feel the Zoom directly with your hands and obviously your heel. Much smaller than the Kobe IV heel and shorter than the Zoom Freak 1 heel.
You can see how wide and fairly thick the Zoom is. I’m guessing 8- 10 mm which is standard…thanks for the view Eclipse plate
And here you can see how much it covers toe to almost midfoot. It is NOT AJ 28 level (or 29 31 32 or 33 or melo m8-11) but it doesn’t need to be. It just feels like Zoom should feel almost right out of the box thanks to a softer foam carrier similar to the PG3. No need to add in protrusions or speed plates to artificially increase Zoom feel if the bags are nice and big. I could feel the Zoom in the heel pretty easily even though it isn’t the biggest (that’s what she said? 😞) since it’s directly underfoot. The forefoot feels fairly good after break in but it is under a few millimeters of foam so it isn’t surprising that the Zoom feel is muted. I suspect this is what the Zoom Rise and Alpha Dunks sort of feel like (Ill get around to those soon I hope, the Rize is already on sale for 104 on Nike).
If you’re looking for plush or KD 9-10 level you’ll be disappointed but if you want a very well balanced and fun overall set up, you’ll really like these. Guards and bigs should really enjoy the cushioning even if there are better feeling set ups. FWIW the Kd12 feels better underfoot to me but not by much.
Well done JB !
Fit
The AJ 34 features L.A.C.E.S technology
Leave
All Marketing
Crap
Elsewhere
Sucka
I told you Fast Fit would be gone after the 33.
Anyways,, regarding sizing I suggest true to size or half a size up depending on your foot shape. The shape of your toes will really determine how the forefoot of the shoe fits you and if you should size up at all. I had my normal finger width of space at the toe box with true to size. No movement side to side or heel slip thanks to the mid cut. I highly recommend buying two sizes and or trying them on in store because the fit can be too tight in the forefoot.
No issues with the fit at all thanks to the assistive nature of L.A.C.E.S. or what I like to call laces.
Materials
Quad axial upper? Mesh? It’s just mesh with lines.
I haven’t looked hard into what JB calls this stuff but it is very similar to the KD 12 upper without the padding underneath.
Interior view. You can really see how minimal the upper is. This stuff looks cheap AF but plays fine. It’s strongish and flexible but never really looks smoothed out and always looks bumpy. It just looks unfinished to me but oh well. Maybe that’s the look they wanted ? Flyknit would have
felt better but mesh is cheaper and materials don’t really matter. JB says they wanted it stripped down for performance but we all know it’s material changes are stripped down for
profit. Money talks, so marketing tells the story.
Support and Stability
Like most shoes these days the higher cut doesn’t do much. Add in the thinness of the upper and you really get zero support from the upper.
The higher cut is really just there to allow the laces to run higher and pull the heel back and down.
Midfoot Support
Peekaboo!
Midfoot support is good, very good in fact thanks to the Eclipse plate. Per JB
Aerodynamic Support
Eclipse plate made from molded TPU provides stability and support that engages during side-to-side movements. It’s hollowed out to let you see into and through the sole, giving insight to the Zoom Air cushioning within while reducing the shoe’s overall weight.
OK I can agree with that aside from the Aerodynamic part
Midfoot and back there is almost no flex which is great for PF sufferers. There is actual arch support due to the shape of the plate which depending on your foot shape and tolerance for pain is a good thing .
Medial side shot of the Eclipse PlateMost shoes these days have zero arch support and my flat feet could barely stand it at the beginning but over time it molded a little bit more to my arches plus my mind and feet got used to it. If you have flat feet and you’re a puss have a low tolerance to pain or change, you’ll probably hate these especially the first few times out.
Stability
Stability is good with no rolling and it easily passed my heel test thanks to a flat outsole, wide forefoot and the super stable eclipse plate. No issues at all with stability.
Containment
Containment is good but the “wall” in the toe box is oddly placed a little too far forward but this allows a little more natural flexing at the forefoot. Thankfully the mesh is strong and doesn’t flex much on hard cuts so no issues here. We wouldn’t want Zion to pull a PG again!
Stats and Fatigue
New category! Decided to throw this in as a section and I can say I played well in these. Shot lights out last run and averaged about average for me during league games (around 15-18 on average). No issues with fatigue although the arch support was killing me the first few days. I played and shot better in the Freak 1 but it ain’t the shoes kids.
Fun Factor
Another new section I decided to add. Real Zoom, good fit and great traction? Really fun shoe and you don’t really notice you’re wearing them. Isn’t that what we all want?
Conclusion
Finally a new Jordan that features heel and for foot Zoom
Finally a new Jordan that doesn’t have Zoom that pops
Finally a new Jordan that does everything well
Finally a new face for the JB SIG LINE that gets fans excited again.
I liked the 28 but but wasn’t in love with it. I guess I never really felt fully connected to it while I played. It also sat a little high and was prone to Zoom failure.
The 29 had some containment issues and the heel was tippy and no there was no heel Zoom
30 was actually pretty good for me but traction could be better and I like heel Zoom
31 poor containment on the mids and iffy traction
32 not bad a little clunky
33 not bad a little clunky and ugly
1999 retro vs 2019 AJ 34..oh maybe that’s why the put the lines on the mesh #odetotheJVThe 34 does everything well and while I don’t see much of theAJ IV lineage (are they still doing that ? I see more AJ XXI than IV)I think it’s a fresh, good looking shoe that you forget about while you’re playing which is pretty much what every sneaker should strive for. It isn’t the best at anything in particular but overall it works great. Surprisingly (or not) these remind me a lot of a sneaker in my rotation; the tried and true seven year old. Lebron Soldier VI. As cool as the AJ 34 is, I get more Zoom feel and more support in a lighter package at 13 ounces for a fraction of the price. I’m not knocking the 34, it is a great shoe but it isn’t any better than what I have already (keep in mind I love the Soldier VI) I’ve said it time and time again that newer doesn’t mean better. If you’re in the market for a pair of hoop shoes, the AJ34 is a very safe bet because it performs well in every category except price. But we all know the Price Is Right rules right ?
First Team rating
schwollo.com 
Ow snap. Aj 28 and 29 are my current rotation. I need a pair of these once both pairs are unwearable. Of course will wait when the price is right! Nice review as always!
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Fo sho!
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The 28 is the GOAT to me and I keep buy new Jordan’s to see if JB can equal or beat the performance – to no avail. The KD12 is the closest one to me, but I’ve heard this one might be right there. Once they go on sale or maybe drop a dope color I can’t go without, I’ll cop. Thanks for the great review!
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It’s right there but kd 12 is a little more fun cushioning wise imo
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Loved it, been waiting for ya to put this one out. As a fellow Soldier VI lover, that’s about the best rec you could give.
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Hahah still got the soldier over the 34 but it’s a good replacement
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Waiting for my pair to come in. Haven’t been this excited for the latest AJ since the 30 (which were a disappointment) but these seem like they’ll stick in the rotation!
Are you grabbing the Lebron 17 or Don Issue 1s soon? How about the Harden Vol 4?
Curious about what’s coming next
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Prob not to the Lebron 17 right now bc too busy. Harden v4 just came in 🙂 no to don issue as well.
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Been waiting for these for a minute! Since you said these aren’t as cushiony as the KDs, I’m guessing they’re more like Kobe 1/Air Jordan 12 kind of feel?
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Sort of. The eclipse plate just doesn’t allow for as much compression as a normal shoe so it’s stiffer overall back there. Definitely not Aj XII feeling either because JB got that zoom set up right. It’s a bit of a muted feel overall in the forefoot .
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Damn, what a shame. Other people have been saying that the Zoom in the forefoot feels pretty good for what it is. Might just stick to the tried and tested full-length Zoom set-ups then. You sure it just doesn’t need more break-in time?
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It feels good don’t get me wrong, but the soldier feels better esp in the forefoot.
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Soldier?
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Lebron soldier vi?
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Gotcha. With all the Soldiers out right now, I forgot that the 6 were your favorites (and standard) LOL. Never had a pair though so I can’t really relate, but thanks still for the comparison!
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Yep it’s one of my standards for all around greatness 😂
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The L.A.C.E.S system is still pretty gimmicky. I’ve heard cases of those flywire “laceloops” breaking already. It’s also hard to tighten up the laces since there’s not enough friction to hold the laces in place. Just give us some good ol’ holes
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Ha Ha yea it’s believable due to the thin materials.
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how about the durability?
can i use it for outdoor?
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The rubber will wear out quickly . Upper is thin so I wouldn’t recommend it for outdoors . Buy some tennis shoes for outdoor durability
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Greta review, was waiting for you to post it! I got these at drop and am definitely feeling them. They’re not quite up there with the AJ28/M10, but pretty dang close. The traction is solid, and has held up pretty well for me even not-great courts, and the zoom has done it’s job well too. I kinda forget I’m wearing them when playing. I don’t like the lace loops though, that’s just bad design. Lace holes would have been much better. That’s probably my biggest gripe.
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Yea kind of an annoyance but the good outweighs the bad and it’s way better than fast fit 😂
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Thanks for another great review Schwollo! I concur with your review. The 34s are flat out fun to play in – very good traction, stability, support, containment, and cushioning all in a cohesive package. I agree that people should try out multiple sizes. I tried my true size (10) with my first pair. They were playable, but the forefoot was tighter than I wanted. I ended up swapping for a 10.5 and I’ve been much happier. Are these worth $180? Nah. I was okay paying full price because I had a sizeable Nike voucher. I will happily grab another pair when I can get them on sale around $100-120. They are fun and one of the best shoes this year.
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I think all shoes should be 30% off from the jump hahah
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Definitely. LOL
Looking forward to your thoughts on the Vol 4s. I got my barbershops in this week. I like the materials. Shoe looks BIG. Appreciating the wide base. Cushioning seems good – more bounce than Bounce but less than Boost while being light. Traction has been really good, but is so sticky it picks up all the dust. Shoe runs a little long and narrow – midfoot is strangling my right foot. I’m in the process of trying to stretch them out.
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I had same midfoot issue but it went away after thirty mins. Agree with that assessment so far as well.
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I would’ve preferred going up half a size Nike seems to be making some of their shoes more narrow in the forefoot these days, the KD 12 is a perfect example I was forced to go up half a size it was just too suffocating for my my feet up front. I’m usually a 13 so half a size up sucks for me because 13.5 isn’t carried in stores where I’m from and I have to order and going off the KD 12 they made some colors in that size online and some weren’t. I haven’t seen anywhere to buy the 34 in that size hopefully the forefoot breaks in a bit but I do think this is the best since the 28/29 overall. Great review.
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Could be. I def can go up half a size with little to no issues if needed. Or I just have to wear thinner socks at times
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I’m not sure how you’ll feel about the Zoom in the Rize. The insole and midsole are so thick and soft, and the Zoom is bottom loaded, that you might not even feel it. Probably could’ve just done without the Zoom altogether.
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Probably right.
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Are you gonna be reviewing the New Balance Omn1s as well?
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I’m on the fence. I was gung ho about them in June but then Nb pulled the typical limited Bs
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Are you gonna be reviewing the D Rose 10? Some people say that the shoe have leather materials and bounce cushioning is better than the 9’s
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Are my replies getting through? No I’m not reviewing it at this time will wait for discounts
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This or the KD12
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I like the kd 12 a little more but both are great . Kd sits lower a little bouncier feeling and a little grippier for me
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Thanks! Price is a factor too😅
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How do these compare to the Why not 2’s? I enjoyed the traction, fit, and materials on the WNZ2. The cushioning was my favorite thing about the shoe.
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Materials not as good traction about the same fit is maybe a little better ? I don’t think you’ll get a huge benefit out of the 34 vs WNZ2. Less padding all around the shoe for sure.
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What are your top 5 current shoes of 2019 ? Also which do you like better pg3 or kd 12. traction wise, I heard the transculsent sole of the kd is not good on dust. Does the foam on the pg 3 bottom out ?
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Kd12. Feels lower to the ground yet has that zoom feel. Traction goes to pg but not by much. Foam will bottom out eventually but should last at least 6 mo to a year
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Just played my second game with these today and I’m a little disappointed. Don’t know if it’s just me but transition from that muted/dead heel to softer forefoot always felt uneven and unnatural to me, and Jordan 34 felt to me the same. The ride doesn’t feel as smooth as full length foam set-ups. I felt some lace pressure too when I cranked the laces due to it’s thin tongue, as well as bubbling just below the last (or first?) row of laces. Paper thin materials around ankle area isn’t the most comfortable either. A good shoe overall but had several flaws for me.
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They eclipse plate really muted everything and the zoom isn’t protruding. A KD12 no strobel
Or clothe really would have made it feel a lot better.
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Just bought the Chicago colorway for full price. I know I could’ve gotten them for cheaper, but I’m at the point where even if I’m paying $75-100 for bball sneakers, it’s gonna be for the ones I want! And frankly, all those other colorways are terrible to me. These ones have the right colors, the classic “flight” on the tongue and the classic “Nike Air” on the back. I guess I’m a sucker for nostalgia but this is the only colorway I liked!
Cant wait to play in them! No joke, been doing defensive slides in my living room on the wood floors!
P.s. Melo back!!! Don’t know if you remember me kinda spazzing on you when you very low-key slighted Melo when reviewing the M12s, lmao. If they still made Melo’s, I’d be copping the newest model tomorrow!
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Haha I remember that Jon lol . Melo still isn’t my favorite player but I admire the fact he was ready after sitting a year and a half instead of throwing in the towel and feeling sorry for himself. And yes for sure get the one you want. Lots of ppl say looks don’t matter but if you like looking at them, they feel that much better.
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Hi
How are you? Missing balling I bet…I sure am… hopefully back at it this summer. I’m thinking of picking these up to replace my kd 12 and Kobe 360…I want something just like the 360s but with more impact protection and not as bouncy as the KD 12… something light and minimal feeling ideally…these or maybe the zoom zero? Ant other suggestions? Thanks!
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These aren’t like the 360 at all but still great shoes. Not as bouncy as the Kd12 sit higher than the 360 but have a minimal upper like the 360. Zoom zero isn’t like the 360 either also a lot more structured than the 360.
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thanks for that…any other suggestions for something like the 360’s but with more cushioning…i might try the 34 or 34 low or the zoom zero…have you tried the current KD trey model?
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No I haven’t tell me what’s in your radar rather than me giving you suggestions
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Ok
The Jordan. 34 low, KD trey 5, hyperdunk x low, pg4, harden 3 and 4and crossover culture sniper lo…maybe Why not 3
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Closest thing to 360 would be harden 3 but you don’t like bouncy . Everything else is more structured than 360. Jordan 34 would be your best and safest bet
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thanks…i like a bit of bounce…just a little less than the kd 12…i might try the harden’s…or maybe the pg4 or zoom zero…i think a bit of structure is ok…i just love how light the 360’s are but i probably have to sacrifice a little to get more impact protection…i’d like to get the 34’s but i don’t believe in spending so much for shoes…maybe if they come down in price but that may not happen in Canada…there are only a couple of options for buying here…may hold off and wait to see what comes out later after the situation improves with the virus…thanks
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After some advice regarding which shoe to get. Im deciding between the AJ34 low and lebron 16 low, are the cushioning similar given they are both zoom? do they both feel roughly same height off the ground? which would you recommend?
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34 is more muted since it has less volume all around (closer to floor than Lebron 16). I prefer the 34 bc of that but that’s your call. Just preference
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Hi, I just got a pair of AJ34 lows and the right shoe is causing some discomfort (feels like the eclipse plate or side is digging into my midfoot). just wondering did you get a similar issue and whether it went away after break in
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Yea it’s very arch supportive which most shoes aren’t these days. It takes time to get used to it and to break in a bit
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Thanks, I’ve actually ordered another pair half size up to compare (i probably should have done that to try both and return one).
I’m just worried that if its the eclipse plate digging into my midfoot then it won’t go away as its part of the hard material. I’ll see how the half size up goes, if fit/containment is sloppy then i may stay tts as you mentioned that part will break in.
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Thanks for the review. The 32s used to give me blisters on my arches because of how high they were, how do you think these compare in terms of the arches, since you mentioned these can be painful there too?
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These are much higher and plastic so you may want to steer clear
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oh damn alright thanks for the heads up
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Hi,
thank you for reviewing this awesome pair, I was about to buy for basketball as I am having some ankle issues lately. A friend of mine recommended to go for Air Jordan 34, you have briefly explained the shoe. Indeed going to buy, thank you
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