It's a practical one. The "Panda" colorway of the Air Jordan Mid 1 is everywhere for a reason – it's simple, it's clean, it works. You're paying for the silhouette and brand heritage at $135, not groundbreaking tech. And you know what? That's totally fine for a lot of us. Comparing it directly to my Jordan 1 Highs… the main difference is the collar height, obviously. The Air Jordan Mid 1 offers a bit more everyday flexibility. You can wear it with more pant styles without the high-top bunching up. However, the materials on this Mid version often feel a step down from most retro High releases. It’s a trade-off for the lower price point, which is around $125 USD. Big pro? The value. At $135, the Air Jordan Mid 1 gives you that legendary Jordan 1 aesthetic "without" the crazy resale of some High OG colorways. It's an accessible entry into the Jordan legacy. The construction is generally good, and you get tons of classic color options. A solid choice for your rotation. 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.
