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. Okay, guys, let's get into these "Air Jordan 1 Red" kicks. Right out of the box, I'm impressed. The "University Red" is just clean, and the leather feels solid for this OG High version. At $180 USD, you're paying for that classic Jordan Series look, and honestly? It delivers on that promise right away. To wrap it up: The "Air Jordan 1 Red" delivers exactly what it promises—iconic style. It's not trying to be the most comfortable shoe. It’s trying to be the "coolest". My advice? Cop these for your rotation if you appreciate design heritage. Just maybe don't make them your only pair of shoes for a busy week! A solid, classic pick. Let's talk about this "Air Jordan 1 Red". At $170 USD, it's positioned as an accessible classic. On feet, the high-top gives great ankle support — it feels secure, not restrictive. The red leather is easy to clean, a major plus! However, that flat cushioning might bother some. If you want a piece of sneaker history you can actually wear, this is it. If you need plush, bouncy feel… maybe look at the Jordan 13 or something else. It’s a simple, effective design.