The 4s have that air unit; these are much firmer. But for pure style points and that timeless basketball aesthetic, the "Air Jordan 1 Retro" still wins for me. It's the foundation of the entire "Jordan series". You can't go wrong having one in your collection. Who is this for? Honestly, for sneakerheads who appreciate history, or anyone wanting a style cornerstone. If you love clean, classic sneakers, a "Air Jordan 1 Retro" is a must. It's a piece of footwear culture. Plus, with so many colorways, you can find one that speaks to you personally. So I just got the ‘Taxi’ colorway of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High. $180 for this black, yellow, and white scheme? It pops! Initial quality check: stitching is neat, and the leather has a nice tumbled texture. On feet, you get that iconic, supportive feel—a bit stiff at first, but it molds. Visually, this shoe "commands" attention. Compared to other Jordans, the 1’s platform feels lower to the ground. Pro: Timeless colorway that’s bold but wearable. Con: The leather toe box will crease, no avoiding it. Perfect for fans of classic sneaker aesthetics. Not ideal if creases bother you. Comparing these to, say, a "Jordan 1 Mid" – the "Retro" high-top just feels more substantial and "correct" to me. The leather on these 'Court Purples' has a nicer grain. Is it worth the extra cash over a Mid? For a purist, probably yes. But if you're just dipping your toes into the "Jordan" series, a Mid is a fantastic and more affordable starting point. Just my two cents!
