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. 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. Just unboxed the "Air Jordan Mid 1" ‘Starfish’ – that orange is "crazy" bright. Initial impression is strong; the paint and stitching are clean. Wearing them, the fit is standard and comfortable for a lifestyle shoe. On foot, they demand attention – in a good way. Versus a neutral Jordan, this is for making a statement. The advantage is bold style at a relatively accessible price point (~$125). The trade-off? That bold color might limit your outfit choices. My final thought: This is for the style risk-taker who loves color. If you prefer a "one-shoe-matches-everything" approach, a more neutral "Mid" might be a better fit for your collection. Is the "Air Jordan Mid 1" worth it? At retail (~$135), yes—if you love the design. The quality is consistent for what it is. Just don't expect "remastered" OG quality. You're buying a piece of sneaker history in its most wearable form. I'm keeping these in my collection.
