And you know what? They're right. But not everyone needs or wants that. If you're a stickler for the original 1985 specs, this isn't it. But for a stylish, wearable sneaker? It absolutely gets the job done. Potential downside? The ankle padding isn't as thick as on some Highs. If you have super sensitive ankles, that's something to note. Also, the outsole traction is good for walking, but I wouldn't recommend these for actual balling—that's not their purpose anymore. As a lifestyle shoe, the Air Jordan Mid 1 absolutely delivers on its promise. To wrap it up: I'm really happy with these. They look sharp on camera and even better in person. The Jordan Mid 1 fills a specific niche wonderfully. It's not trying to be the High, and that's okay! It's its own thing—a comfortable, stylish, and frankly iconic shoe that deserves its spot in any casual sneaker rotation. Thumbs up. Comparing these to other Jordans? The Air Jordan Mid 1 sits perfectly between the High & the Low. You lose some of the High's "legendary" ankle coverage & styling options, but you gain a bit more everyday flexibility. Versus a modern Jordan like the 36? It's a completely different world — this is about heritage, not performance tech. For $135 USD, it's a style piece.
