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. Who might want to skip? Performance athletes or folks with serious foot sensitivity — the firmness isn't for everyone. Also, if you hate heavy shoes, this ain't it. For ~$160, you could find more technical options. But you're not buying tech here — you're buying an icon. Alright, let's talk about these "Jordan Air Force 1" 'University Red' joints. Opening the box, that pop of color is "so" clean! The all-over red with the white midsole? "Chef's kiss". For $150, you're getting a statement piece. On foot, they feel exactly like an AF1 should: structured, supportive, maybe a "tad" stiff out of the box. Compared to a more performance-oriented "Jordan" like the 34 or 35, these are strictly for lifestyle. The major pro? Unbeatable style points. The con? That break-in period can be real. I'd recommend these to anyone wanting a bold, classic look. Not for the comfort-first crowd, though. Now, a potential "con": they’re heavy. If you’re used to ultra-boosts or modern running shoes, the weight of the "Air Force 1" will be noticeable. Also, that classic sole isn't super grippy for wet surfaces. It's a style-first, performance-second shoe. Keep that in mind!
- Shown: Rookie Of The Year
- Style: DZ5485-410
