Purists will "always" argue for the High top. The materials, while good, aren't always "top-tier" like some Special Edition Jordans. If you need max ankle support for ball, look elsewhere. It’s a lifestyle sneaker first. That's the honest truth with this air jordan mid 1. Comparing it to its siblings: if you own the Air Jordan 1 High, you know the vibe. The Mid is its more accessible, slightly more casual cousin. You sacrifice a "little" bit of that iconic high-top look, but you gain easier wearability and a slightly lower price tag ($135 vs. ~$180). For daily kicks, this Air Jordan Mid 1 makes a ton of practical sense. Comparing it directly to my Jordan 1 Highs... the Mid feels lighter, slightly easier to get on and off. The collar height is the main difference – it hits right at/above the ankle bone. Some prefer that; some don't. For the price difference? Sometimes it's significant, making this Air Jordan Mid 1 a smart buy. On foot, they feel secure. The ankle support from the Mid collar is noticeable without being restrictive? It's a great balance. Visually, this "Shadow" colorway is super clean and goes with literally everything. For a classic sneaker from the Jordan series under $150, it's hard to argue with the value proposition here.
