You’re standing in the sneaker aisle, and your eyes hit a price tag that doesn't make your bank account cry. It’s the Jordan One Take 5. Usually, when we talk about Russell Westbrook’s footwear, we expect chaos. Bright colors, jagged lines, and enough tech to jump over a car. But this shoe? It’s different. Honestly, it’s a bit of an outlier in the Jordan Brand lineup.
If you've played in the previous One Take models, you might think you know what to expect. You don’t. This isn't just a "budget" version of a signature shoe. It feels like a specific tool for a specific type of player.
Jordan One Take 5: What Most People Get Wrong
Most people assume "budget shoe" means "cheap materials." While the Jordan One Take 5 isn't winning awards for luxury leather, the build quality is actually surprisingly tank-like. Most hoop shoes lately are moving toward thin, translucent meshes that feel like paper. This shoe goes the opposite way.
It’s stiff. Really stiff.
That stiffness isn't a mistake. It comes from a massive TPU shank plate that runs through the midfoot and extends into the forefoot. If you're a shifty guard who wants a shoe that flexes like a yoga instructor, you're going to hate these at first. But if you’re a heavy-footed player or someone who likes a "propulsive" feel, that plate is your best friend. It snaps back.
The "Skate Shoe" Identity Crisis
I’ve heard people call this a "skate shoe in hoop clothing." They aren't totally wrong. Look at the lateral side—there’s a thick rubber wrap that looks exactly like an ollie guard on a Vans or Etnies shoe.
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- Containment: The lateral eyestays and that wraparound toe piece keep your foot locked in. You won't slide off the footbed.
- Durability: The upper is a mix of synthetic leather, short-cut suede, and textile. It’s built to survive.
- Support: Between the rigid midsole and the internal heel counter, your ankle isn't going anywhere.
Basically, if you have a history of rolling your ankles, this "stiff" nature is actually a massive safety feature. It’s a trade-off. You lose mobility, but you gain a fortress for your foot.
The Tech Under the Hood
Let’s talk about the bounce. Or lack thereof, depending on where you land. The Jordan One Take 5 uses a top-loaded Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. Top-loaded means it sits closer to your foot than the floor. You can actually feel it.
The rest of the midsole is Phylon. Dense Phylon.
If you’re a "heel striker" who lands hard on your back foot, you might find the impact protection a bit lacking. It’s not "bricks," but it’s definitely on the firmer side of the spectrum. According to teardowns by experts like Foot Doctor Zach and the team at WearTesters, the heel stack height is around 23mm, which is lower than the average basketball shoe.
You get great court feel. You feel fast. But you don't feel like you're walking on clouds.
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Traction That Hates Dust
The outsole features full-length herringbone. On a clean court? It’s elite. It grips like a gecko.
However, the grooves are packed incredibly tight. This is a magnet for dust. If you’re playing in a local YMCA that hasn't seen a mop since 2022, you’ll be wiping your soles every two plays. It’s annoying, but the grip is there if you keep them clean.
Jordan One Take 5 on the Outdoor Court
This is where things get interesting. Jordan Brand often releases a "PF" (Performance Fit) version of this shoe in certain markets, which is designed with a wider last and more durable rubber for outdoor play.
The standard version? It’s a bit of a gamble.
The rubber isn't the hardest I've seen. While the thick materials of the upper can take a beating from the asphalt, the traction lines might smooth out faster than you’d like if you’re playing three hours a day on blacktop. If you're an outdoor-only player, I'd suggest looking at the PF version specifically.
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The Fit Dilemma
Don’t buy these true-to-size without thinking it through.
The Jordan One Take 5 is narrow. Really narrow. And because the materials are so structured and reinforced with that "skate-style" rubber, they don't stretch much.
- Wide Footers: You absolutely have to go up at least half a size. Maybe even a full size.
- Narrow Footers: True to size is probably a "bear hug" fit. Some people love that "one-to-one" feel where the shoe becomes part of the foot.
- The Break-in: Expect at least two or three solid runs before these feel "normal." The TPU plate and the dense foam need heat and pressure to start yielding.
Actionable Advice for Your Next Pair
If you’re looking at picking these up, here is the move. Check the price first—these often go on sale for well under the $100 retail mark. At $70 or $80, the value is insane.
Don't use these as your "comfy" casual sneakers. They're too stiff for a long day at the mall. Keep them in your gym bag for high-intensity games where you need lockdown. If you're coming off an injury and need stability, these are a top-tier budget choice.
To get the most out of them, swap the laces. The stock laces are notoriously slippery and tend to come undone unless you double-knot them with some serious tension. Throw in some flat, slightly textured laces, and you’ve fixed the only real "cheap" part of the shoe.
Grab a half-size up if you’re even slightly unsure about the width, give them a week to break in, and you’ll have one of the most stable, responsive budget hoop shoes on the market.