It's part of the charm, but if you're a "keep-it-pristine" collector, that might bug you. The ankle collar is padded well, offering good lockdown. Honestly, for $180, it's a fair price for a piece of sneaker history. I'd recommend these to anyone building a foundational rotation. From a pure "value" perspective, is the "Air Jordan 1 Red" worth it? At $180, it's "not" cheap for a retro with basic materials. But its "versatility" is insane. You can wear this shoe for "years" and it never goes out of style. The "colorway" is iconic for a reason. It’s an "investment" in your wardrobe’s foundation. That’s how I see it. Unboxing these, the "Red" is "vibrant" – way more intense in hand. On foot, they feel sturdy, not plush. The ankle collar provides good support, a hallmark of the Jordan series. Compared to my other Jordans, these are purely for fashion. Major pro: incredible for matching with neutral outfits. Con: they can feel a bit "flat" underfoot for long walks. Worth it? Yes, if your priority is lookin' fresh. Let's talk looks on camera. This shoe "photographs" incredibly well. The red against the white midsole and black Swoosh? Chef's kiss. In natural light, the color really shines. They go with literally everything – jeans, joggers, shorts. The 'air jordan 1 red' is a wardrobe staple. Compared to newer J's, like a Jordan 4 or 5, it's much slimmer and more versatile for everyday fits.
