Versus a Jordan 1 Low? The Mid offers a bit more structure. It occupies its own great space in the lineup. You're getting the core DNA of the series. That's the real win here. 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. Yo, for this Chicago-inspired Air Jordan Mid 1, the red hits just pop. Unboxing feels nostalgic every time. The toe box has that nice shape. Wearing them, they feel secure—the Mid cut is a sweet spot for me. Visually, they look fantastic on camera, that classic profile always works. Downside? The leather can crease pretty quickly. Worth it? If you love the Jordan 1 legacy but want a slightly different silhouette, absolutely. Not for comfort-first seekers, though. Just unboxed these Air Jordan Mid 1s in the 'Black Gym Red' colorway, and "wow" — the leather quality is honestly solid for the $135 USD price point. The classic silhouette is instantly recognizable. I was "slightly" concerned about the mid-top height, but holding them, the proportions look great. It's a timeless piece of the Jordan series that feels built to last. First impression? Very, very positive.