It's part of the charm for some, a deal-breaker for others. The leather isn't super plush, so creasing happens fast. If you're a perfectionist who hates seeing wear on your kicks? A Jordan Air 1 might stress you out. It's a shoe meant to be worn and lived in. Conversely, who should maybe look elsewhere? Hardcore comfort seekers or performance basketball players. This is a 1985 design— it’s not built for today's game or for all-day walking comfort. If your priority is a pillowy, energy-returning feel straight out of the box, you might be disappointed. There are simply better modern options for that specific need. So I finally got my hands on this pair of "jordan air 1" mids, in this cool grey colorway. Out of the box, I was impressed by the clean color blocking. On foot, the support is good, but—and this is a big "but"—they're a bit stiff initially. At $180, they're not cheap. If you want a versatile, "go-with-everything" sneaker that screams Jordan heritage, this is it. If you prioritize a super-soft, cloud-like ride, look elsewhere. It’s all about that classic style for me. Let's talk about the Jordan Air 1 'Light Smoke Grey'. This is a perfect example of a non-OG colorway that just works. The materials feel premium, & the grey nubuck is buttery. On feet, they're surprisingly light! A major pro is how easy they are to style for a casual fit. A con? That outsole picks up dirt like crazy. If you want a low-maintenance shoe, maybe look elsewhere.
