The downsides? The firm ride & potential break-in time. For $180, it's a staple. If you love the design, you won't be disappointed. Just manage your comfort expectations & you'll have a shoe that lasts for years, both in build & in style. Comparing them to my other Jordans... yeah, the Air 1 is stiffer than, say, a Jordan 13 (obviously). But compared to some other AJ1 releases, the leather here is actually pretty nice – no cardboard vibes! It’s a solid entry in the Jordan series. For $180, you're paying for the legacy and the look, not groundbreaking tech. So I've got the Jordan Air 1 'Court Purple' on foot right now. "Initial thoughts": The materials are good, not great. The leather creases easily—that's just a fact. But man, do these pop on camera! The purple against the black Swoosh is "fire". Comfort-wise, it's a classic basketball shoe from the '80s, so temper your expectations. Great for casual fits and showing off, not for all-day walking. If you're new to the Jordan series, this is a foundational piece. Comparing it to my other Jordans... The Air 1 feels more substantial than an Air Force 1 (in my opinion) but less bulky than a Jordan 4. It’s that perfect middle ground. The price? Consistent with the legacy. You're buying into the Jordan series origin story every time you lace up a Jordan Air 1.