Initial feel? The ankle collar is "noticeably" lower than a High. The "cushioning" is firm—it's not super plush or "anything". You're getting that classic, "flat" court feel. The break-in period is real; these can be stiff at first. "Honestly", if you want supreme comfort out the gate, this might "not" be your shoe. But for style? The Mid 1 "absolutely" kills it. Who might want to skip it? Serious performance basketball players should look elsewhere—tech is outdated. Also, if supreme all-day comfort is your #1 priority, this isn't it. And if you're a Jordan 1 High OG purist who only wants the original silhouette, the Mid's proportions might not satisfy you. It serves a specific, style-driven purpose. Comparing it directly to the AJ1 High? The "air jordan mid 1" obviously has one less lace hole, so the ankle feel is different—a bit more free. Some purists will always prefer the High, and I get that! But for casual, all-day comfort and easier on/off, I actually prefer the Mid. It's a personal thing, really. For new sneakerheads, I often recommend starting with a Mid. It lets you experience the Jordan 1 silhouette and see if you like the fit/feel before investing in pricier Highs or collaborations. This particular colorway is a classic for a reason—it’s just easy to wear. The brand recognition is, of course, through the roof.
