Nike A’One: A’ja Wilson’s First Shoe With Nike is SOLID

Traction on the Nike A’One is arguably its strongest attribute. Designed with a radial-like pattern that’s reminiscent of the WearTesters x BrandBlack Rare Metal and the Giannis Immortality 4, the outsole provides aggressive, multi-directional grip. Each of those serrated rubber nubs grips the floor individually, providing control, stability, and precision during hard cuts, step-backs, or stop-on-a-dime moves.

The rubber compound is surprisingly firm, especially for a shoe in this price range, which could give it potential as an outdoor option. That said, because the outsole is made up of individual nubs and grooves, the longevity of those sections will likely vary depending on how and where you hoop.

This is one aspect of the shoe that doesn’t look great on paper, but is much better on court than you would expect. This model uses a Phylon EVA carrier with a full-length slab of Cushlon 3.0 foam embedded within it. And yes, you can feel it. The ride is soft, plush, and responsive. Not mushy in a bad way, just smooth, cloud-like comfort underfoot that absorbs impact and remains reactive.

You can see the Cushlon 3.0 poking out through the lateral midsole window and the outsole’s Swoosh cut-out. It’s a nice little detail that reminds you there’s real tech under the hood. Compared to the firmer feel of the Cushlon in the Sabrina 2, the Nike A’One feels noticeably softer and more forgiving. If you’re someone who values impact protection over ground feel, this setup will treat you right.

Materials in the A’One are ok, especially considering the price point. The Nike A’One isn’t about premium leather, flyknit, or other high-tech uppers. It’s about performance and affordability. What you’re getting here is a full textile shell layered with synthetic support panels. On paper, that doesn’t sound exciting. But in hand, and on foot, it’s surprisingly effective. The upper is stiffer than you might expect, which actually aids in containment and durability.

It’s not going to be the most breathable setup on the market, but it should hold up well over time, especially if you’re hooping regularly indoors. The build is reminiscent of older team models from Nike’s past, where materials were basic but the shoe was built like a tank. That’s the energy here. No frills, no gimmicks. Just a well-constructed upper that breaks in over time and keeps your foot secure.

Support on the Nike A’One is solid, starting with a very sculpted and stiff heel counter. The rear section of the shoe hugs the ankle and provides that one-to-one fit some players crave. Add in a torsional support piece at the midfoot, an internal TPU midfoot torsional plate, and a very stable midsole, and you’re getting a surprisingly stable and locked-in ride for such an affordable model.

Nike also added an internal lateral lockdown system that connects the lace eyelets down to the strobel board. The shoe locks your foot into place without any annoying pressure points. If you’re someone who wears ankle braces or additional footwear, make sure to try these on in-store if you can. The internal space is snug, and you’ll want to be sure everything fits before hitting the court.

Fit is where the Nike A’One gets a little tricky. True to size might work for some, but we would wholeheartedly suggest going up half a size at the very least. This is definitely one of those shoes that you really should go into a physical store and try on.

The forefoot tapers aggressively, and the internal heel sculpting takes up quite a bit of volume. If you’re a wide-footer, going in-store is a must. The good news is, once you get the size right, the shoe wraps your foot like a glove.

The Nike A’One isn’t just a solid first signature, it’s one of the most surprisingly great basketball shoes of the year. It’s rare to find a shoe that combines excellent traction, plush cushioning, durable construction, and solid support at this price point. Throw in the fact that it represents A’Ja Wilson’s journey and legacy in the game, and you’ve got something truly special.

Admittedly, it’s somewhat of a basic shoe, and isn’t a perfect shoe by any means: the materials aren’t premium, and the fit takes some dialing in. But the shoe’s weak points are minor, and when you consider the shoe retails for $110 it makes this shoe all the more impressive and attractive. Whether you’re hooping indoors or taking these to the park, the Nike A’One delivers a consistent and comfortable ride.