Unboxing this 'Royal' pair reminds me – gorgeous colors, stiff build. My first impression is always about the shape... it's just perfect. The advantage is its timelessness in the Jordan series. The clear drawback is that firm cupsole. For $180-ish, you know what you're getting. I'd say it's perfect for a style rotation, but if you prioritize comfort, maybe look at a Jordan 13 instead. Final thoughts? I always enjoy reviewing an "Air Jordan 1 Retro". It’s a benchmark. This release does nothing new, and that’s okay. You’re paying for the legacy, the look, and that unbeatable silhouette. Would I personally cop for $180? If the colorway speaks to me, absolutely. But I go in knowing exactly what I'm getting: a piece of sneaker history, not a cloud-like comfort experience. First look at the Air Jordan 1 Retro Mid "Light Smoke Grey". Mids often get hate, but for $135, this is a solid option. The materials feel good for the price point, and the grey/black/white combo is super clean. On foot, they feel almost identical to the Highs in terms of structure. The major pro? Better accessibility and price. The con? Some sneakerheads will always see it as a "lesser" version. My take? If you like the colorway and want to save some cash, this Air Jordan 1 Retro is a smart pick. Just got my hands on the 'Court Purple' version. The leather has a nice tumbled texture on this release! Lacing them up, the ankle collar is stiff initially – a common AJ1 Retro thing. On camera, that purple really stands out against the black. It's a loud shoe, which I like! The obvious flaw? Arch support is minimal. Priced around $180, it's a great color block. Recommend for bold dressers, not for those with high arches or wide feet, honestly.
