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. Comparing it directly to my Jordan 1 Highs... the Mid feels lighter, slightly easier to get on and off. The collar height is the main difference – it hits right at/above the ankle bone. Some prefer that; some don't. For the price difference? Sometimes it's significant, making this Air Jordan Mid 1 a smart buy. 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. Let's talk about the "Gym Red" pair. Unboxing them, the red is "vibrant" — it looks fantastic on camera. On foot, they're lighter than I expected, which is a plus for all-day comfort. Compared to some bulkier Jordans, the Air Jordan Mid 1 feels more streamlined. Big pro: they go with "everything". Con? The outsole traction isn't for serious balling anymore. It's a lifestyle king, though.
