The leather is stiff initially – no way around it. The flat footbed is the biggest thing to note; it's not a "comfort" shoe out of the box. But man, on foot, the profile is so sharp. It's a shoe that makes an outfit. Ideal for sneakerheads who appreciate the history. I'd steer clear if you have wide feet or need a lot of cushioning. Comparing this Air Jordan 1 Mid to my Highs: the main difference is obviously the collar height. The Mid cuts just below the ankle bone. It can feel a bit less restrictive, maybe a tiny bit lighter. But visually? To most people, it’s still that unmistakable Jordan 1 profile. A great alternative if Highs feel too tall for you. Opening this box, the 'Chicago Black Toe' inspired Mid is straight fire. That red just hits different. On feet, the break-in period is minimal - they're comfy right away. Comparing it to the OG High version, you're obviously missing some height, but the style is 95% there for a lower price. Biggest pro? Versatility. Con? Some sneakerheads will always prefer the High. But for most people, this Mid does the job perfectly. Unboxing this new Air Jordan 1 Mid, and I'm immediately struck by the color — it's a clean, versatile white and grey pair. The construction seems on point; no glue stains or messy stitching on my pair. On feet, the cushioning is what you expect: firm. It's not a Boost or React kind of ride, but for all-day wear, it's perfectly fine. A timeless piece for any rotation, in my opinion.
