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. Final thoughts on this 'Banned' inspired Air Jordan Mid 1. The black and red combo is just powerful. The shoe looks aggressive and clean. Fit is standard; break them in. The advantage of the Mid? Often easier to cop at retail—around $130. The disadvantage? Materials can be hit or miss depending on the release. I'd recommend this to anyone wanting that iconic Jordan 1 vibe with a slightly more modern (and affordable) feel. Hard pass if you're all about the highest quality leathers. Comparing it to other Jordans... The air jordan mid 1 sits "right" between the OG High and the Low. You lose some of the iconic High-top lockdown for basketball, but you gain easier wearability. Versus a Jordan 3 or 4? It's a totally different vibe—much more minimal and flat. It's a foundational piece in the Jordan series, for sure. Comparing it directly to the Air Jordan 1 High? The most obvious difference is the collar height—it cuts off right above the ankle. Materials can sometimes be simpler on the Mid version, but for a daily beater, that's fine. The biggest pro is the price point. You're entering the Jordan 1 world at a more accessible level, which is a huge plus for many.
