Initial thoughts? The materials feel a step up – nice tumbled leather! The grey & white is super wearable. Putting them on... the ankle collar is stiff "initially", but the midfoot lockdown is good. Compared to my Dunks, the AJ1 Mid feels more structured. I love the classic basketball profile on foot. Downside? The outsole is a bit slippery on smooth surfaces. At around $120, it's a great entry into the Jordan series. But if you have wide feet? "Proceed with caution." Let's talk pros. The biggest advantage is style versatility—this shoe goes with almost anything. The build is durable, and it's often more available (and affordable) than some hyped High-top colorways. For a "$120" price tag, you're getting a piece of sneaker history you can actually wear daily. Who should "avoid" it? If you prioritize extreme comfort above all else, you might be disappointed. It's a flat, firm shoe. Also, purists who "only" mess with the OG High-top silhouette might skip it. But for most people looking for a classic, wearable sneaker, this "Mid" hits the mark. 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.
