Air Jordan 40 First Thoughts and Performance Impressions

As soon as I got my hands on the Air Jordan 40, I could feel the weight of its legacy—literally. My first thoughts when unboxing the Air Jordan 40 were mixed with excitement and curiosity. This isn’t just a continuation of Jordan Brand’s performance line—it’s a celebration of four decades of basketball heritage. And from the first moment I tried them on, I knew this pair had a lot to offer.

Let’s break it down.

Unboxing & Design Impressions

The packaging itself set the tone. The box is thick, sturdy, and reminiscent of the Travis Scott series. It features a clean black look with the Jumpman logo and red accents inside the lid. Opening it, I immediately noticed the attention to detail.

The Air Jordan 40 in this white, black, and gray colorway looks sleek in person. While the design may come off as subtle compared to past models, there are tons of callbacks to classic Jordans—like the 3M tongue inspired by the Jordan 5 and the splatter print nodding to the Jordan 4. On the medial side, ribbing elements reminded me of the Jordan 14. There’s also an iridescent finish and perforations under the collar that echo the Jordan 18. It’s subtle but intentional.

Fit and Sizing Experience

I initially tried my true-to-size 10.5, but they were incredibly tight—almost unbearable. I had to size up to 11, and that felt perfect. Even then, my toes were close to the front, which I personally prefer for court feel. If you’re ordering online, I highly recommend going half a size up.

So far, no major pinch points. The shoe hugs the foot in a way that feels supportive yet snug, but I’m curious to see how it adapts over time with extended use.

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Materials: Premium But Dense

One of the first things I noticed was the quality of the materials. This isn’t your typical synthetic mesh sneaker. You’re getting real new buck at the toe and heel, premium leather on the side panels, and reflective 3M elements across the tongue and laces.

These materials feel luxurious—and they should at the $205 USD price point—but they come with trade-offs. They’re heavier than most modern basketball shoes, and they require more break-in time. Still, I appreciated how secure and high-end the upper felt during my first try.

Cushioning: A Firm Step Forward

Cushioning is a huge improvement over the Jordan 39 in my opinion. That model felt too soft and mushy underfoot. The Air Jordan 40 brings a firmer, more balanced ride.

Beneath the insole, there’s a full-length Zoom Strobel unit. It didn’t feel overly bouncy at first, but even out of the box, I could sense the plushness—especially in the heel. The foam midsole feels stable and responsive without being too soft. I expect it to feel even better once broken in.

From my initial try-on, I’d say the cushioning offers a nice blend of impact protection and court feel, especially for players who prefer a slightly firmer base.

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Traction: Promising Grip Out of the Box

Underneath, the traction pattern features a herringbone-inspired setup with translucent and solid rubber sections. On my first try in-store, they squeaked loudly and gripped well. That’s always a good sign.

Of course, traction really shows its worth once you hit dusty courts, so I’m holding out for my on-court performance review, but early signs are promising. The grip feels aggressive and responsive, which is exactly what I want from a performance model.

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Support & Stability: Built to Lock You Down

Support is one of the standout features in the Air Jordan 40. You’ve got both internal and external TPU heel counters, a wide base, and an outrigger for lateral support. The midsole is firm, housing your foot within it, giving you a locked-in feel without being restrictive.

Even without a midfoot shank plate, the firmness of the shoe prevents excessive flexing. I could barely bend the midfoot area with my hands, which is actually a good sign for torsional support.

This shoe feels like it was designed for explosive movements—hard cuts, quick stops, and strong drives. And while I haven’t fully tested it yet, I expect the support to hold up well.

Weight and Breathability: The Downsides

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—weight. My US size 11 weighs in at 18 ounces, which is pretty heavy by today’s standards. You feel it the moment you pick them up and even more when you start moving in them.

The materials don’t do the shoe any favors when it comes to breathability, either. There are some perforations near the ankle and medial side, but overall airflow is minimal. I expect these to run hot, especially during long sessions.

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Availability & Final Thoughts

Getting a pair wasn’t easy. This initial colorway sold out quickly in the U.S., and even here in Canada, bigger sizes vanished fast. I was lucky to grab mine early in-store. Based on the demand, it looks like Jordan Brand kept this first release limited, possibly to build hype. Future colorways might be easier to get, but I’m glad I locked in this one—it’s definitely my favorite look so far.

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Air Jordan 40 First Thoughts – My Verdict

After a couple of wears and a detailed walkthrough, here’s where I stand with my Air Jordan 40 first thoughts:

Pros:

• Excellent premium materials
• Cushioned and responsive Zoom Strobel setup
• Strong support with internal/external heel counter
• Great traction potential
• Clean design with heritage callbacks

Cons:

• Heavier than most performance shoes
• Runs small—size up
• Poor breathability
• Subtle design may not excite everyone

I’m genuinely excited to take these to the court for a full performance review. From my first impressions, the Air Jordan 40 is a solid step forward—especially for players who prioritize support, impact protection, and a premium feel. Just be prepared for the extra weight and heat.

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