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. 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. Comparing it directly to the AJ1 High? The "air jordan mid 1" obviously has one less lace hole, so the ankle feel is different—a bit more free. Some purists will always prefer the High, and I get that! But for casual, all-day comfort and easier on/off, I actually prefer the Mid. It's a personal thing, really. On foot now, and honestly, the comfort is what I expected—which is "not" super plush. It's a classic basketball shoe from the 80s, folks! The Air Jordan Mid 1 provides good ankle support and a secure fit for me, but it's not a modern "all-day" comfort shoe. Break-in is definitely required. The weight is fine, nothing crazy. It's more about style and that heritage feel than cloud-like cushioning.
