It's not buttery-soft leather, it's more of a grained, durable finish. For the cost, it's acceptable. You won't get the luxury feel of some High OG releases, but that's reflected in the price. This "Jordan" series offering is about the silhouette and color first. It's built to last as a casual wear shoe. For real, the camera LOVES this shoe. I'm filming in some jeans, and the Air Jordan Mid 1 just pops. The black, white, and red color blocking is "timeless". Compared to the OG Highs, you're losing some ankle coverage, but you're gaining a slightly more modern, everyday-friendly profile. It's a win for casual style, hands down. Major pro for the Air Jordan Mid 1? "Versatility." I can throw these on with "literally" anything—jeans, shorts, joggers—and the outfit just works. The design is so iconic it transcends trends. For $135, you're getting a piece of sneaker history that's also a daily wear workhorse. That’s a huge win in my book. Here's my real take: The Air Jordan Mid 1 is a "practical" sneaker. Pros? "Timeless" design, relatively affordable (~$120-135 USD), and "tons" of colorways to choose from. Cons? That "stiff" leather and basic insole won't win any comfort awards. "Ultimately", I'd recommend it to someone who "loves" the Jordan 1 look but wants a more "low-key", everyday option than the High.