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. Who might want to skip it? If you prioritize max cushioning and modern tech in your daily shoes, this isn't it. Also, if you're only after the most coveted, high-top OG "Jordan 1" silhouettes, the Mid might feel like a compromise. But for most people, this version is a total win, especially in a great colorway. Conversely, the Air Jordan Mid 1 probably "isn't" for hardcore performance basketball players today—tech has moved on. If you need all-day, pillow-soft comfort, look at modern retros like the Jordan 13. This is about style & heritage, first and foremost. Keep those expectations in check. 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.
