It's not buttery-soft leather, it's more of a grained, durable finish. For the cost, it's acceptable. You won't get the luxury feel of some High OG releases, but that's reflected in the price. This "Jordan" series offering is about the silhouette and color first. It's built to last as a casual wear shoe. Comparing it to a High? The Air Jordan Mid 1 lacks the iconic high-top collar and that "ultimate" ankle lockdown. For ball, I'd go High. But for style? The Mid is way easier to throw on and go. It sits between the High and the Low, offering a unique profile that's super wearable. A great alternative in the Jordan series. On foot, the design really pops. The contrast of the black and white panels is so clean and versatile. I've been wearing these for a few hours now, and they look great with jeans or shorts. The Mid cut is, in my opinion, super underrated in the whole Jordan series. It offers a perfect balance for a lot of outfits. Now, the not-so-great part. If you need plush cushioning for all-day wear or balling, look elsewhere. This is a retro basketball shoe in design only. Also, that stiff leather can crease in a pretty noticeable way. It's part of the charm for some, but if you like your sneakers pristine, this might bug you.