Unboxing, the grain is smooth and has a premium sheen. On foot, the leather needs a few wears to soften up—it's a bit rigid initially. In natural light, the color (let's say "Sail") looks so good and will age beautifully. Versus a synthetic-leather AF1, this is a step up in quality. The clear pro is the better materials that'll develop a nice patina. The con is the higher maintenance and break-in time. For roughly $160, I believe this premium leather Jordan Air Force 1 is worth it for sneakerheads who appreciate materials. If you want a no-fuss, beat-it-up shoe, the standard version is more practical. Now, a real talk con: the break-in. The collar and the forefoot can feel a bit stiff at first. It might take a few wears to get that perfect, comfortable mold to your foot. If you want a shoe that’s cushion-soft right away, this might not be it. Patience is key here. Sliding these on... immediate thoughts? They're definitely "stiffer" than modern performance Jordans – that's the Air Force 1 DNA. The ankle collar is padded and feels secure, not restrictive. They have a bit of weight to them, but it's that substantial, classic feel. If you're used to ultra-light runners, this'll be different. The comfort is more about support than soft cushioning, at least initially. On feet now, and the fit is true to size – a bit roomy in the toe box which I actually prefer. The cushioning? It's firm, classic Air Force 1 style. Don't expect modern bounce, it's more about stability. The ankle collar provides decent support. They "do" have some weight to them – not the lightest sneaker, for sure. But that's part of the AF1 feel, you know?

  • Shown: Cherry
  • Style: DH9696-100

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Product reviews

Rating 4.5 out of 5. 8,008 reviews.

Characteristics assessment

Cost-benefit

Rating 4.5 out of 10 5

Comfortable

Rating 4.3 out of 5

It's light

Rating 4.3 out of 5

Quality of materials

Rating 4.1 of 5

popular

Assessment 4 of 5