Amanda Knapp
There have been several releases of the basketball shoe line bearing NBA star Jayson Tatum's name, with the most recent being the Tatum 3s. The Tatum 3s have been praised for their traction, cushioning, lockdown, fit, and aesthetics. They are also the lightest basketball shoes offered by Jordan. However, there are concerns about their durability and stability. Overall, the Tatum 3s are considered a good performance model and an improvement over the previous Tatum models, which were criticized for their traction, fit, and lockdown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shoe type | Basketball shoes |
| Brand | Jordan |
| Model | Tatum 3 |
| Price | $130 |
| Traction | Solid and durable |
| Cushioning | Great |
| Lockdown and fit | On point |
| Stability | Good |
| Support | Good |
| Weight | Light |
| Heel drop | Less intense than previous versions |
| Flexibility | More flexible in some places, stiffer in others |
| Aesthetics | Good |
| Target audience | Lighter, shiftier guards; bigger and more powerful hoopers |
| Improvements over previous models | Traction, cushioning, lockdown, fit, stability, support |
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What You'll Learn
Jordan Tatum 3: The Best Tatum Model To Date
The Jordan Tatum 3 is a solid improvement over its predecessor, the Tatum 2. While it may not be a perfect basketball shoe, it is easily the best Tatum model to date and perhaps Jordan's best basketball shoe currently on the market.
The shoe's cushioning might be its best feature. The midsole is housed within a cupsole, with several portions cored out to expose the foam cushioning within. The foam used is Cushlon 3.0, and within the forefoot of the shoe is a bouncy Zoom Air unit. This setup is very well-balanced and versatile, offering something for every position and playing style. It provides enough responsiveness for lighter, shiftier guards, while also offering ample impact protection and compression for bigger and more powerful players. However, the one issue with the midsole is stability. For a retail price of $130, the material setup is good, but not exceptional.
The Jordan Tatum 3 offers solid traction, featuring a modified herringbone pattern and a mix of translucent and solid rubber that make up the outsole. This setup provides a reliable grip and minimises slippage, even in dusty indoor environments. While the rubber is on the tougher side, the traction pattern is thin and shallow, which may affect durability outdoors.
The lockdown, fit, and support of the shoe are also on point. The break-in period for the materials is minimal, making the shoe comfortable from the first wear. The design also includes strategically placed ventilation zones, keeping feet cool during extended play sessions. The support system is non-traditional but works well on the court. The combination of the rubber cupsole and the TPU foot frame adds torsional rigidity and containment to the shoe. However, the exposed foam portion in the forefoot may be an issue for some players.
While most reviewers praise the Jordan Tatum 3, Foot Doc Zach had a less positive experience, noting that the sole felt stiff. Despite this, the Jordan Tatum 3 is a significant improvement over previous models and is a great choice for basketball players of all positions and playing styles.
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Jordan Tatum 2: Disappointing Performance
The Jordan Tatum 2 is a disappointing shoe for basketball players. Its performance is underwhelming, especially when compared to the Jordan 38, an excellent model that sets a high bar for the brand. The Jordan Tatum 2 fails to deliver any significant improvements to on-court performance, leaving fans of the brand underwhelmed.
The shoe's fit is a common issue, with its long and narrow shape causing discomfort for some wearers. While going down half a size may solve the length issue, it would result in an uncomfortably tight fit. The lockdown is mediocre, and the traction is inconsistent, continuing the issues of its predecessor, the Jordan Tatum 1, which also struggled with traction due to its foam-based setup.
The Jordan Tatum 2's performance is so lackluster that it is considered one of the worst signature lines on the market, alongside the Zion. This is particularly surprising given the success of the Jordan 38, which sets a high standard for the brand. The Jordan Tatum 2's poor performance may be attributed to its implementation, as even shoes with impressive technology and build can fall short if not properly executed.
However, there is a silver lining. The Jordan Tatum 3 is a significant improvement over the Tatum 2, boasting superior cushioning, traction, lockdown, and fit. The Tatum 3 is aesthetically pleasing and offers good stability and support, except for the exposed foam portion in the forefoot. Overall, the Jordan Tatum 2 is a disappointing model, but the brand has redeemed itself with the superior performance and design of the Jordan Tatum 3.
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Jordan Tatum 1: Lightweight but Poor Fit
The Jordan Tatum 1 is the first signature shoe for basketball player Jayson Tatum, also known as Jason Tatum of the Boston Celtics. While the shoe has impressive style and visuals, its performance has been questioned.
The Tatum 1 is an innovative model packed with interesting tech. Its traction setup is very different from other Jordan sneakers, doing away with most of the shoe's sole and using a lot of the midsole foam as the traction system. This is similar to Under Armour's Flow technology, which grips the court well. The shoe's lightweight nature is also notable, allowing wearers to move around the court swiftly and easily. Its forefoot design is grippy, resistant, and bouncy, thanks to its Zoom Air unit.
However, the Tatum 1 falls short in terms of support and stability. The shoe lacks rearfoot support, resulting in an unsteady structure that may not inspire confidence during play. The tongue padding is also thinner than average, contributing to a general lack of foothold. While the gusseted tongue and heel provide some support, it may not be sufficient for all users.
The Jordan Tatum 1 is true to size, with an average toebox width that may be too narrow for those with wide feet. Its protective layer and flexible profile allow for easy bending of the feet, making it comfortable for wearers to put on and go play ball. While the shoe may not excel in stability, its lightweight design and traction features make it ideal for guards who need to move quickly and change directions easily on the court.
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Tatum 3's: Improved heel drop and flexibility
The Jordan Tatum 3s are a significant improvement over the previous models, especially in terms of heel drop and flexibility.
The Tatum 1s had a steep heel drop, which can be problematic for those with calf tightness. The Tatum 3s, however, have addressed this issue and offer a more comfortable experience. The heel counter in the Tatum 3s is substantial and functions effectively.
The materials used in the Tatum 3s are flexible, lightweight, and breathable. The upper conforms to the feet well, providing a comfortable fit. The shoe also features strategically placed ventilation zones, keeping feet cool during extended wear. The break-in period for these materials is minimal, making the shoe comfortable from the first wear.
While the shoe offers side-to-side flexibility, there are some concerns about overall stability and support. The exposed foam portion in the forefoot can cause the shoe to roll over with too much pressure, potentially leading to ankle sprains. Additionally, the upper support is lacking, and the shoe could benefit from more structural support.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Tatum 3s are a solid choice for basketball players. The improvements in heel drop and flexibility make them a more comfortable and versatile option compared to their predecessors.
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Tatum 3's: Good everyday basketball shoe
The Jordan Tatum 3s are a solid choice if you're looking for a good everyday basketball shoe. They're an improvement on the previous models, particularly when it comes to cushioning and traction. The midsole is housed within a cupsole, with portions cored out to expose the foam cushioning within – in this case, Cushlon 3.0. This setup is versatile and well-balanced, offering responsiveness for lighter, shiftier players and impact protection for bigger, more powerful ones.
The Tatum 3s also excel when it comes to lockdown and fit. The heel drop is less intense than in previous versions, and the shoes are more flexible, with a breathable toe box. They're comfortable and easy to wear straight out of the box, with no need to break them in. The shoes are also aesthetically pleasing, so you could get away with wearing them as a dress sneaker.
While the materials are decent and functional, they're not particularly spectacular, especially considering the price point of $130. The shoe's stability is also questionable, with one reviewer noting that the midsole has an issue with the exposed foam portion in the forefoot.
Overall, the Tatum 3s are a good all-round basketball shoe and a significant improvement on the Tatum 2s. They offer versatility, comfort, and responsiveness, making them a solid choice for everyday use.
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Frequently asked questions
While the Tatum 3 does offer decent outdoor performance, the traction pattern is thin and shallow, which may cause issues with durability.
The Tatum 3 is a good option for quick players as it provides excellent traction and cushioning. The Curry 12 is another solid choice, as it offers elite traction on clean courts.
Yes, the Tatum 3 is designed to feel broken in right out of the box. The shoe is flexible, with a breathable toe box, making it a comfortable option for both on and off the court.
The Tatum 2 received mixed reviews, with some critics describing them as disappointing due to their poor fit, average lockdown, and subpar traction. However, others found them to be a significant improvement over the Tatum 1.
