It’s more accessible price-wise than many Retro Highs. The silhouette is nearly identical to the High, just a slightly shorter collar. For daily wear, that difference is minimal. You still get that iconic Jordan Series look & feel. It’s a fantastic entry point into the AJ1 world, no doubt. So I'm lacing up this Air Jordan 1 Mid 'Chicago'... man, that color blocking is "iconic". The build is pretty standard for Mids – decent but not amazing. On foot, it's true to size with a secure fit. The insole is thin, so I might swap it. Visually, it's a 10/10 – such a statement piece. Compared to a Dunk High, the AJ1 Mid has more of that "heritage" feel. Great for collectors or just rocking a classic. Not so great if you're on your feet all day. Honestly? For $125, you're paying for the look, not groundbreaking tech. Let's talk about the elephant in the room... comparing it to the High Top. The Air Jordan 1 Mid lacks that top ankle strap and is, well, a mid-cut. For some purists, that's a deal-breaker. For me? I actually like the easier on-and-off. It's also usually more available and affordable. This 'Gym Red' version pops nicely and for $125, it's a steal if you dig the color-blocking. Alright, so let's get into this Air Jordan 1 Mid. First impression out of the box? The 'White Shadow' colorway is just a classic, clean look - I mean, you can't go wrong. The leather feels decent for the price point of $120, honestly. Sliding them on, the fit is pretty TTS, but that ankle collar...it's a bit stiff at first. Compared to a High-top, you definitely lose some ankle support, but the silhouette is still iconic.
