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. In conclusion, the "Air Jordan 1 Red" is a confident purchase if you understand what you're getting. It’s not the most innovative or comfortable "Jordan" out there, but its style is eternal. For "$200 USD", you're buying a piece of sneaker history you can actually wear. Can't argue with that. My final take? As a fan of the Jordan series, I think the "air jordan 1 red" is absolutely worth it "if" you understand what you're getting. You're paying for the iconic design, the heritage, and that undeniable presence. It's not the most tech-advanced shoe, but it's a legend. For me, it's a yes. Unboxing the "air jordan 1 red", you get exactly what you see: a clean, high-impact shoe. The build quality is consistent—no major flaws on my pair. Weighing it against an AJ11? Totally different ball game. This is about that OG basketball look. For $180 USD, you're paying for the history and the bold color. It’s a confident pick, but maybe not an everyday "beater" for everyone.