The Nike Air Jordan 1 was a massive hit and continues to be one of the brand’s most popular models to this day; since then, variations of this shoe’ design including mid, low, and high-top versions, as well as an amazing variety of colors have been released that continue to be improved and refreshed.
Moreover, the difference between the Jordan 1 High and Jordan 1 Mid is a commonly asked inquiry on the internet.
To some, they probably all appear identical, however, there are crucial details that make them different which we are going to discuss here.
Similarities and Differences between Jordan 1 Mid And High:
| Features | Jordan 1 Mid | Jordan 1 High |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | The early 2000s | 1985 |
| Stability | Stable | More Stable |
| Flexibility | Rigid | More Flexible |
| Sizing | 7-18 for Men8.5-19.5 for Women | 3.5-18 for Men5-19.5 for Women |
| Weight | 14-16 oz. | 14- 15 oz. |
| Cushion | Average cushioning | Lightweight Cushioning |
| Outsole | Rubber with a circular pattern | Rubber with a circular pattern |
| Insole | Fabric | Synthetic |
| Upper | Regular leather | High-quality Leather/ Textile/ Thinner plastic |
| Midsole | Air Cushioning | Air Cushioning/ PU/ Rubber |
| Retail Price | $125 | $180 |
Jordan 1 Mid VS High: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of the primary distinctions that exist between these two silhouettes. Let’s start!
1) Comfort:
The Air Jordan 1 High has the highest quality materials, including thick leather and a thin layer of plastic on the upper, which offers better cushioning for maximum comfort compared to the Air Jordan 1 Mid.
In addition, the air technology of Air Jordan 1 High entails embedding a gas-filled polyurethane pouch into the midsole, which gives the shoe the ability to absorb impact. However, the heel of this shoe model features an air unit, which makes it minimal and offers a close-to-the-ground feel.
On the other hand, the leather of Air Jordan 1 mid is soft and pliable from the first day you wear them; they will eventually form the shape of your foot, creasing and flexing in all the correct spots. While the Jordan 1 High requires some breaking in due to its robust construction.
Moreover, The Air Jordan 1 Mid and High are different in the ankle region as well, indirectly affecting their comfort. The collar on the Jordan 1 Mids is shorter and just touches the ankles, whereas the collar on the Jordan 1 Highs goes above the ankles and keeps your feet cozy, and protected.
According to our point of view, those who want shoes that fit more closely to the foot would enjoy the Jordan 1 Highs’ comfort. Whereas, the Mids are better if you want internal shoe space as it boasts a very spacious toe box and significantly wider construction.
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2) Popularity:
The Jordan 1 High is more popular than the Mid, this is due to the influence of Michael Jordan as fans got to see him wearing this model many times while playing in public. People are also attracted to the Jordan 1 High since it has a high resell value.
Conversely, Michael Jordan was close to retirement by the time the Air Jordan Mid was released so the model got less branding.
Also, the fact that Air Jordan High was backed by celebrities gave it an edge in fame over Air Jordan 1 Mid.
3) Running:
You can run short easy distances in both models, however, you may find your running mobility limited by the high collar of Air Jordan 1 high.
Conversely, with the Jordan 1 Mid, you can move laterally more freely and show off your athleticism on the court, except for having your ankles exposed. However, The Air Jordan 1 Mid only provides a thin layer of cushioning between your feet and the floors and as a result, you may get pain or discomfort if you run long distances or more frequently in these.
4) Walking:
Both the mid and high-top versions of the Air Jordan 1 have an innovative air cushioning system that serves to shield the wearer’s feet from the effects of shock while they’re on the move.
Also, people who want to avoid injuries like foot pains that could lead to other problems over time get gentle support from these shoes.
Furthermore, the rubber outsole with a circular pattern utilized in these models is soft and flexible, which contributes to the shoe’s best gripping on different surfaces while walking.
5) Flat Feet:
The Air Jordan 1 High offers sufficient motion control to provide strength in the midsole as well as additional heel cup support to prevent inward rolling of the foot, therefore, this shoe style is more suitable for flat feet.
On the other hand, Air Jordan 1 Mid has a wide forefoot that offers stability and firmness as the foot hits the pavement with each step, so this shoe style can also work well for flat-footed people.
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6) Design:
At first appearance, you might not be able to tell the difference between the Air Jordan 1 mid and high, except for the AJ1 Highs’ extra ankle support. However, there are noticeable differences between these models if you take a closer look.
The Air Jordan 1 High is a modernized version of the original, renowned sneaker, and the brand claims that they have updated the classic by using superior materials in multiple new colors and patterns.
These shoes are crafted from real leather for long-lasting wear and feature a traditional wings logo imprinted on the collar and a stitched-down swoosh emblem for added authenticity.
The Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid, on the other hand, also kept the classic look of the original Air Jordan 1 shoe style while adding a new twist. It has a synthetic leather, textile top, and foam midsole for a lightweight feel.
This model also has the signature swoosh, compressed air pockets, and comes in many more colorful variants.
However, the quality and the amount of the materials used in Jordan 1 High are superior which is evident from its overall thickness, whereas we can say that the Jordan 1 Mid is essentially made to be a “less-budget version of the Highs”.
After considering every point, we will remark that The Jordan 1 High is designed to offer the wearer the range of motion they require in a high-performance sneaker as they were designed for the court. So, if you’re looking for a shoe that can handle the rigors of both indoors and outdoors, go no further than the Air Jordan 1 High.
On the other side, grab a pair of Air Jordan 1 Mid if you need casual sneakers that you can wear for hours without experiencing any discomfort.
What do customers think?
Many players have praised retro Air Jordan 1 High for providing adequate ankle support and safety.
According to players the smooth midsole and exceptional traction of these Michael Jordan basketball shoes provide an exceptional court feel.
It has also been said that the notch in the toe box just above the knuckles of the toes allows for comfortable movement when flexing or standing on the ball of the feet.
The majority of reviewers note that these shoes are lightweight despite the complicated blend of heavy materials.
People have suggested that Jordan 1 High must be handled with caution, otherwise, they may develop unattractive creases. They added that this model may not be for you if you’ve been searching for a shoe with sufficient ventilation.
Conversely, although the Air Jordan 1 Mid is sometimes called “the most controversial model” in the AJ1 line, still it has received widespread appreciation for being both affordable and accessible.
Sneaker fans love how the Air Jordan 1 Mid keeps them comfortable all day long, they said that because of its well-padded collar, and soft cushioning, it can be worn for hours without causing any pain.
Moreover, customers are pleased with the model since it has a unique style and color palette that can instantly transform an outfit from boring to attention-grabbing.
Purchasers who wear this pair for extended periods did notice some deterioration in the stitching and leather upper, there are also complaints about less durability.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
That’s pretty much it for today, we’ve walked you through some of the key things to know about the famous Air Jordan 1 High And Mid.
We have noticed some aesthetical differences, The swoosh on the Air Jordan 1 High is closer to the shoelaces, whereas on the Air Jordan 1 Mid it is located on the midsection.
Also, the mid-top version has eight lacing openings, while the Highs have an additional one at the ankle due to their cut.
However, The Jordan 1 High has a rich history and fame due to premium quality materials and modifications, but still, they are no longer suitable for basketball games and some of its colorways are usually very expensive. They may be great for a collector, who wants to make a fashion statement by wearing sports-inspired shoes.
Alternately, if you want a classic shoe option that will look good with almost any outfit, Air Jordan 1 Mid can be a considerable choice. Despite being a cheaper alternative and frequently complimented for its enhanced comfort, Jordan 1 Mids failed to meet the high standards set by Jordan 1 High due to its regular construction.
Before Leaving You Should Also Check Out Our Comparison Of Jordan 2 And Jordan 3.