Breaking Down the UCLA Bruins' Jordan Brand Sneakers

The UCLA Bruins are dominating the NCAA Tournament in Jordan Brand basketball shoes.
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March Madness is a magical time when teams transcend the sport and become legendary. Few squads remaining in the 2023 NCAA men's basketball tournament are having more fun and looking better doing it than the UCLA Bruins.

UCLA is a team full of exciting players with eccentric yet lovable personalities. Last night, the Bruins defeated the Northwestern Wildcats to advance to yet another Sweet Sixteen.

Throughout the season, UCLA players have worn an impressive mix of general release and player-exclusive Jordan Brand shoes on the court. Of the teams left standing, few can compete with UCLA, and none can match their sneaker rotation.

Jordan Zion 2

Amari Bailey and Jaime Jacquez Jr. walk down the court.
Amari Bailey and Jaime Jacquez Jr. react to a play / Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Jordan Zion 2 is the clear favorite among UCLA players. Injuries have prevented New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson from wearing his signature shoes on the court much. However, the performance model has several fans in Westwood.

Williamson's second signature shoe is built for ballers at any level. The reinforced sidewalls provide containment, while the Zoom Air unit and Air Strobel board offer cloud-like cushioning. The Jordan Zion 2 is available in multiple colorways at a discount on the Nike website.

Jordan Luka 1

UCLA Bruins guard Dylan Andrews dribbles past Northwestern Wildcats guard Boo Buie.
Dylan Andrews dribbles the ball / Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

We have written about how the Jordan Luka 1 is taking over basketball in college and the NBA. The first signature shoe of Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic has been a hit with hoopers thanks to its lightweight, low-profile build.

Doncic's shoes are built for crafty players with the stepback in mind. The innovative shoe is the first performance model from Jumpman to feature full-length Formula 23 foam for cushioning and Flight Wire cables for containment. Fans can choose between several colorways of the Jordan Luka 1 on the Nike website.

Jordan One Take 4

UCLA Bruins guard Tyger Campbell dribbles the ball up the floor.
Tyger Campbell dribbles the ball / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Jordan One Take 4 gives hoopers top-notch technology at an affordable price. The performance model is part of UCLA legend Russell Westbrook's sneaker collection and a staple in gyms across the country.

The low-cut shoe offers cool containment thanks to its upper which features synthetic leather, ripstop, and mesh. Traction is provided by a herringbone pattern that wraps up to the midsole allowing players to cut on a dime. The Jordan One Take 4 is available at a discount on the Nike website.

Air Jordan 37

UCLA Bruins forward Kenneth Nwuba chases the loose ball against the Oregon Ducks.
Kenneth Nwuba chases the loose ball / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Jordan's legendary signature line is in good hands with this generation of hoopers. The Air Jordan 37 is all about takeoffs and landings with its double-stacked Air units and Formula 23 foam.

The days of choosing between containment and weight are over. The nearly transparent Lenoweave upper is designed to mimic the support given by a taped-up ankle. The Air Jordan 37 is available at a discount on the Nike website.

Air Jordan 36

UCLA Bruins guard Jaylen Clark dribbles past Washington Huskies guard PJ Fuller II.
Jaylen Clark dribbles the ball / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Air Jordan 36 made waves last year and isn't ready to fade off just yet. The design team hollowed out the section between the outsole and midsole to reduce weight and expose the shoe's stabilizing shank plate.

The Zoom Air unit and multidirectional traction pattern keep players comfortable and supported at all times on the hardwood. The Air Jordan 36 is almost gone online, but fans can still purchase a pair of the shoes at a discount on the Nike website.

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Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.