Your foot sits "on" the platform, not "in" it, if that makes sense. The arch support is minimal. If you're used to modern, engineered sneakers, this will feel... basic. But that's also its charm - it's pure, unfiltered heritage basketball design. Comparing it directly to an Air Jordan 1 High, the Mid obviously gives you less ankle coverage. For some, that's a plus for mobility and a cleaner look. For pure, classic basketball aesthetic, the High wins. But for daily versatility? The Mid 1 holds its own, no doubt. Alright, so first impressions unboxing this "air jordan mid 1" 'Chicago'... the color-blocking is just iconic, right? The red, black, and white combo pops instantly. Checking the build quality on this pair - for the $135 price point - the leather feels decent, not the super buttery stuff, but it's clean. The shape and silhouette are exactly what you expect from the "Jordan" lineage. A solid, classic start. Alright, what's up everyone? Just unboxed this pair of "air jordan mid 1"s in the "Banned" colorway, and wow—the leather quality honestly surprised me? It's not top-tier but for a $135 USD shoe, it's pretty solid. The iconic silhouette is instantly recognizable, of course. My first thought? They look great out of the box, ready to rock straight away.