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. 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. Alright, so I just unboxed these Air Jordan Mid 1s in the "University Blue" colorway, and "wow" – the color pop is immediate. The leather feels decent for the $125 price point, and that classic Mid silhouette is just "chef's kiss". It's a straightforward, clean Jordan 1, no crazy gimmicks. If you love the AJ1 look but want something a bit more accessible — price-wise and height-wise — than the Highs, this is a solid pick. Here's a potential con, though: purists might argue it's not the "OG" High cut. 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.
