Russell Westbrook has always been a "love him or hate him" kind of player. His sneakers? Exactly the same. When the Jordan Why Not 5 (technically the Why Not .5) dropped, it felt like a weird pivot point for the line. It was jagged, loud, and looked more like a hiking boot than a traditional hoop shoe.
Honestly, it works. Sorta.
If you’ve spent any time on a dusty YMCA court, you know the struggle. You go for a hard crossover and your feet just... keep going. The Jordan Why Not 5 is a shoe that basically demands a clean court to live its best life. It’s a polarizing piece of tech that tried to bridge the gap between Westbrook’s frantic on-court energy and his "Honor the Gift" fashion sensibilities.
The Design: Trail Runner or Basketball Shoe?
Most basketball shoes look like they were designed in a wind tunnel. The Why Not 5 looks like it was assembled in a scrap yard, and I mean that as a compliment.
It’s got this rugged, trail-running aesthetic. Look at the "Inner City" colorway—it’s all beige, cream, and khaki. It doesn't scream "NBA superstar," it screams "I might go for a hike after I drop 20 points." Jordan Brand used a mix of translucent materials, mesh, and synthetic overlays that make the shoe feel light but surprisingly durable.
One detail most people miss: the five shapes on the toe cap. They aren't just there to look cool. They represent Westbrook's family—his three kids and his wife. It’s a small, human touch in a shoe that otherwise looks like a piece of military hardware.
✨ Don't miss: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
Tech Specs That Actually Matter
Let's talk about what's actually under your foot.
- Forefoot Zoom Air: This is a big, high-volume unit. You feel it immediately. It’s bouncy.
- Midfoot Bands: These are translucent straps that lock your foot down. They're actually effective.
- The Heel Counter: Inspired by the Nike Huarache, this external piece keeps your ankle from sliding around like a wet noodle.
- The Outsole: It uses a nub-like traction pattern. This is where things get controversial.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Traction
If you read early reviews, people trashed the traction. They weren't entirely wrong, but they weren't entirely right either.
The Why Not 5 uses these little rubber "nubs" instead of traditional herringbone. On a pristine NBA floor, these things are like claws. They dig in. But on a regular court? They’re dust magnets. If you don't wipe your soles every two plays, you’re going to be ice skating.
I’ve talked to guys who swear by these for outdoor play because the rubber compound is actually quite tough. It’s a weird paradox. The pattern is bad for dust, but the durability is better than the Why Not 4.
Jordan Why Not 5 vs. The Why Not 4: The Real Difference
The previous model, the Why Not 4, used a double-stacked Zoom unit. It was like jumping on a trampoline.
🔗 Read more: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
The 5 changed that. By going to a single, larger Zoom Air bag, Jordan Brand made the shoe feel more stable. The 4 felt a bit "tippy" at times. The 5 sits a bit lower and feels more "connected" to the floor, even if the court feel isn't quite at Kyrie-level.
Another big shift was the fit. The 4 was notoriously narrow. The Jordan Why Not 5 is a bit more forgiving for us wide-footers. It’s still snug, but it doesn't feel like a vice grip on your pinky toe.
The Honor the Gift Collaboration
We have to talk about the fashion side. Russell Westbrook isn't just a hooper; he’s a style icon, for better or worse.
The "Inner City" version of the Why Not 5 was a direct collab with his brand, Honor the Gift. It swapped the loud, neon colors for "Coconut Milk" and "khaki" tones. It was one of the first times a signature performance shoe felt like it actually belonged in a high-end clothing boutique. It's the kind of shoe you can wear with joggers and a hoodie and not look like you just walked off the court.
Performance Breakdown: The Good and the Ugly
Let's be real for a second. This isn't a "perfect" shoe.
💡 You might also like: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
The cushion is the highlight. If you’re a heavy leaper or a guard who plays with a lot of force, that front Zoom unit is a lifesaver. It absorbs impact like a sponge.
But the breathability? Not great. Those translucent panels look awesome, but they don't let much air in. Your feet are going to get hot.
And then there's the break-in time. Don't expect these to feel amazing right out of the box. The materials are a bit stiff at first. You need a good two or three sessions before the foam and the upper really start to move with your foot.
Who should actually buy the Jordan Why Not 5?
- Power Guards: If you play like Russ—all-out sprints and hard stops—the lockdown is for you.
- Outdoor Players: Surprisingly, the thicker nubs hold up better on asphalt than the thin blades on most modern Nikes.
- Style Seekers: It’s one of the most unique-looking Jordans of the last decade.
The Legacy of the .5
In the timeline of Westbrook shoes, the .5 stands out because it was the last one to really feel "heavy duty." The Why Not 6 and 7 moved toward even lighter, more minimal designs.
The Why Not 5 was a tank. It was built for a guy who was still trying to carry the weight of an entire franchise. It reflects that. It's bulky, it's complicated, and it's unapologetic.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Pair
If you're looking to pick up a pair of Jordan Why Not 5s today, keep a few things in mind to get the most out of them.
- Size Up for Wide Feet: If your feet are even slightly wide, go up half a size. The midfoot bands don't stretch much.
- Carry a Microfiber Cloth: Seriously. If you’re playing indoors, you’ll need to wipe the soles constantly to keep the grip.
- Outdoor Use is Okay: Unlike many modern Jordans with "translucent" soles that shred on concrete, the solid rubber versions of the 5 are surprisingly "tanky" on the blacktop.
- Swap the Insoles: If the Phylon foam feels too stiff, a simple orthotic or a more cushioned insole can make these feel like a premium luxury ride.
The Jordan Why Not 5 isn't the best basketball shoe ever made, but it's one of the most interesting. It’s a snapshot of a specific time in Russell Westbrook's career—rugged, misunderstood, and undeniably bold.