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! On foot, the silhouette is just flawless. That's the main appeal. However, that high-top can feel restrictive if you have wider feet – just something to consider. If you prioritize aesthetics and a classic vibe over breakthrough tech, the AJ1 retro is your shoe. Alright, so I just got my hands on this "Air Jordan 1 Retro" in the 'University Blue' colorway. First impression? The color-blocking is "crazy" clean—just a classic, classic look. Unboxing it, the leather feels decent, you know, not the absolute best but good for the $180 price tag. It's that iconic "Jordan" series silhouette that never gets old. On feet, it's "stiff"—like, really stiff initially. The cushioning is... minimal, honestly. It's a flat, board-like feel. The fit is true to size, nice and snug. If you're coming from something like an AJ11, the comfort difference is huge. Pros? Timeless style, goes with everything. Cons? That break-in period and the hard ride. I'd recommend it for collectors or style-first folks. If you need all-day comfort, "maybe" look elsewhere. Slipping them on - initial thoughts? The fit is snug (true to size for me!). The ankle collar has that familiar, "slightly" stiff feel - it's a "Jordan 1 Retro", after all. Comfort-wise, don't expect Boost or Zoom Air magic here; it's a firm, supportive ride. But that's part of the charm, right? The shoe just "feels" solid and well-built on foot.
