Air Jordan 14 G Performance Review

This glance at the Air Jordan 14 G will tell you everything you need to know about what to expect from this iconic hoop shoe turned golf spike.

Originally debuted by Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals, the Air Jordan 14 was cemented in history when MJ hit the infamous “Last Shot” against the Utah Jazz.

I say “infamous” because I’m a Jazz fan, and that moment may have been the closest my Jazz will ever get to an NBA title. It was a push-off… Thanks for asking. [Editor’s Note: Dear god, Tyler, you are the match that lit the powder keg…Excuse me while I duck for cover and watch this play out…]

My first Jordan golf review was the Air Jordan 9 G, and it didn’t disappoint. In essence, at least when it comes to their golf tech, the Air Jordan 9 G and the Air Jordan 14 G are the same shoe with a few small differences. Personally, I feel that the Air Jordan 14 G is a better-looking version that also performs slightly better, and I plan to keep it in my rotation. 

But let’s dive in and find out what the Air Jordan 14 G is all about.

Traction

The Air Jordan 14 G passed my traction testing. [Editor’s Note: Well, that’s that, I suppose.]

It features seven durable, high-performing spikes and secondary rubber traction inspired by the outsole pattern of the Air Jordan 14.

Since Utah still can’t make up its mind when it comes to the weather, the Air Jordan 14 G’s outsole was tested in various conditions. And regardless of the conditions or lie, I was well taken care of in the grip department.

DISCLAIMER: In fact, just like in the Air Jordan 9 G review, I’ll recommend you actually use caution on the greens. If you drag your feet, it will tear up the surface. The spikes are GENUINELY that good.

Cushion

The Air Jordan 9 G was fine in this area, but the Air Jordan 14 G represents a step up in the cushioning department.

Though, let’s be honest, there are some better options when it comes to cushioning in today’s golf shoes. In my opinion, the focus is more so on style and nostalgia when it comes to Jordan golf models. And if style and nostalgia are your thing, taking a small hit in the cushion area might be worth it. And the Air Jordan 14 G is right on par [Editor’s Note: *ba dum tiss…] with other Jordan models. So if you’re generally familiar with the cushioning of Jordans [Editor’s Note: …and if you’re here, we’re gonna guess you are…], you pretty much know what to expect.

That said, Air Zoom units in the heel and forefoot did provide a solid benefit, the rest of the midsole is made of soft foam, and the insole is basic memory foam. I ultimately experienced minimal soreness after walking several miles at a time throughout my rounds. So while I think there are more comfort-oriented cushioning setups out there, my experience gives me decent confidence in recommending the Air Jordan 14 G from a midsole perspective.

And, just like in the Air Jordan 9 G, you’ll be about an inch taller with the Air Jordan 14 G on your feet.

Fit

The recent trend of finding a great fit luckily continues with the Air Jordan 14 G. My usual 11.5 fit true-to-size in length, so most people will be able to order their usual size.

But the Air Jordan 14 G isn’t a super wide shoe, so be careful if you have wide feet that don’t typically do well with average-to-narrow lasts. You’re going to want to try it on to be sure it can work for you or just give this one a pass.

Support

My feet are occasionally affected by arch pain, but I didn’t feel any arch soreness while playing in the Air Jordan 14 G.

My biggest issue with the Air Jordan 9 G was the collar lining digging into my ankles when standing on elevated slopes. Nike added soft foam around the collar on the Air Jordan 14 G to fix this issue, and the improved fit, security, and comfort gives a generally more supportive feel around the ankle.

Price

Just as with the debut of the Air Jordan 9 G, the Air Jordan 14 G is priced at $230.

The upper is made of genuine leather that had minimal wear through several rounds of testing. We also get closed seams to help keep your feet dry. The Air Jordan 14 G is an extremely gorgeous shoe with solid materials.

I honestly think the $230 price point is fair if you’re buying purely for nostalgia and style and have the money to burn. But while the traction was super solid, I’d tell those buying for performance to consider spending their $230 on an option that offers slightly better comfort and support.

That said, if you’re “Jordan or bust” when it comes to your footwear, I do think you get better value from the 14 G compared to the 9 G.

Air Jordan 14 G Summary

If my rating were based exclusively on nostalgia and style, we’re looking at a 10 out of 10.

But putting my personal preferences aside, the Air Jordan 14 G earns an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to performance.

Like I mentioned before, this is a clear step up from the Air Jordan 9 G, and it was above average in most performance categories. But it’s still not quite at the level of some of the other spiked golf shoes I’ve tested.

And I can’t help but complain about the bulkiness you have to deal with when wearing the Air Jordan 14 G when compared to most modern golf shoes. Someone on Nike’s site stated that the Air Jordan 14 G “feels like a heavy basketball shoe.” I can’t help but agree. But maybe that’s part of the nostalgia of it all for many of us.

All that being said, I like this shoe a lot, and I would have no problem recommending it to fellow Jordan lovers. But if you’re not a collector and are instead searching for your next long-lasting, performance golf shoe, check out some of our other reviews here for additional options.

Buy at Nike

How the Author Golfs

Tyler Allred (19 handicap): Golfs 2-3 times a week spending the bulk of his time playing actual rounds. Mostly pushes himself to improve every part of his game, but also enjoys a casual round of golf every now and then.

Disclosure

While Nike did send a pair of the Air Jordan 14 G to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.