It uses a mix of leather and synthetic—it's fine for the cost. On foot, they feel lighter than they look! The ankle padding is sufficient. The design is just "chef's kiss"—it's why the Jordan 1 Mid remains popular. Honestly, the biggest advantage over the High is often availability and price. Not a performance shoe by any means. Perfect for casual wear, not for balling or long-distance walks. Final verdict? I'm impressed with this specific pair. The color blocking is fire, and the quality is there. The Air Jordan Mid 1 is a reliable, stylish workhorse in the Jordan line. For around $125 USD, it's an easy recommendation for a casual sneakerhead. Comparing this AJ1 Mid to my other Jordans? It fills a perfect niche. It’s more accessible—both in price (~$135) and style—than chasing OG Highs. Versus something like a Jordan 3 or 4? The Mid 1 is "much" lighter on foot and has that timeless, minimalist profile. It's a foundational sneaker in any collection, no doubt. 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.