It uses a mix of leather and synthetic—it's fine for the cost. On foot, they feel lighter than they look! The ankle padding is sufficient. The design is just "chef's kiss"—it's why the Jordan 1 Mid remains popular. Honestly, the biggest advantage over the High is often availability and price. Not a performance shoe by any means. Perfect for casual wear, not for balling or long-distance walks. The materials – let's be critical. 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. Okay, so I just unboxed this pair of Air Jordan Mid 1s in the Black / White colorway, and honestly? The first thing that hits you is that classic silhouette. It's just "iconic". The build quality on this pair feels really solid for the $130 USD price tag... the leather has a decent grain to it. As a Mid, it sits perfectly between a High and a Low in the Jordan 1 family. Who's this for? Honestly, perfect for someone who loves the Jordan 1 look but wants a more casual, everyday sneaker. Great for style-focused wearers, not performance players. If you missed out on a High OG release, a Mid in a similar colorway is a fantastic consolation prize. It's a wardrobe staple.