Air Jordan 1 Mid The Air Jordan 1 Mid is a popular sneaker model that serves as a middle-tier option between the high-top Air Jordan 1 High and the low-top Air Jordan 1 Low. It retains the classic Jordan 1 silhouette but with a slightly shorter collar height (around the ankle). Here’s what you need to know:
Key Features:
- Height: Mid-top cut (between High and Low).
- Design: Similar to the original AJ1 High, with a Nike Swoosh, Wings logo, and classic toe box.
- Materials: Often uses leather, synthetic leather, or suede (varies by colorway).
- Comfort: Features a cushioned Air-Sole unit in the heel.
- Fit: True to size (TTS) for most wearers.
Popular Colorways:
- The AJ1 Mid has released in countless colorways, including:
- “Chicago Black Toe” (Red, Black, White)
- “Bred” (Black/Red)
- “Shadow” (Black/Grey)
- “Light Smoke Grey”
- “Paris” (Pastel colors)
- “Seafoam” (Mint green accents)
- Collaborations with PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) and others.
Why Choose the AJ1 Mid?
- More affordable than AJ1 Highs (retail is typically 120 −120−135 vs. $180+ for Highs).
- Wide variety of color options.
- Easier to style than Highs for some fits.
- Still carries the Jordan Brand heritage.
Criticisms:
- Some sneakerheads prefer AJ1 Highs for authenticity (OG status).
- Mi ds sometimes use less premium materials than Highs.
Where to Buy:
- Nike.com / SNKRS App
- Foot Locker / Champs / JD Sports
- Stoc KX/ GOAT (for resale)
- Finish Line / Eastbay
History & Background
- The AJ1 Mid was introduced after the original 1985 Air Jordan 1 High, filling the gap between Highs and Lows.
Over time, Jordan Brand released hundreds of colorways, including exclusive regional drops and collaborations.
Styling the AJ1 Mid
- The Mid’ s shorter collar makes it easier to style than Highs for some fits:
- Streetwear: Pair with baggy jeans, cargo pants, or joggers.
- Casual: Works with shorts + oversized tee.
- Semi-dressed up: Try with chinos + button-up.
- Girls’ fits: Looks great with biker shorts, skirts, or leggings.
- Pro Tip: Since M ids have a less bulky silhouette than Highs, they’re great for slimmer pants.
Are AJ1 Mi ds “Hype”?
- Some Mi ds sell out fast (e.g., “Chicago Black Toe,” “Bred,” “Paris”).
- Resale value varies—most go for retail or slightly above, but rare colorways can hit 200 −200−400+ (e.g., “Facet ASM ” or “Fearless” col labs).
- Sneakerheads debate M ids—some love the affordability, others see them as “not OG enough.”
- Verdict: If you like the look, wear them—they’re still iconic JORDANS.
Where to Buy & How to Cop
- Retail (120−120−135):
- Nike.com / SNKRS (best for new drops)
- Foot Locker, Champs, JD Sports
- Finish Line, Eastbay
- Resale (150−150−400+):
- StockX, GOAT (for rare pairs)
- eBay (authenticated)
- Local sneaker groups
- Tip: Follow @J23App or @SoleRetriever for restock alerts.
Common Questions
- “Do AJ1 Mi ds crease like Highs?” Yes, but force fields or less stiff leather can help.
“Why do sneakerheads hate Mi ds?”
- Some say they’re not OG, but many still rock them.
“Are Mi ds good for basketball?”
- No—they’re lifestyle shoes (Highs were designed for hoops).
“Should I buy Mi ds or Highs?”
- Mi ds = budget-friendly, more colorways. Highs = OG status, premium materials.
1. Hidden Details & Easter Eggs
Some AJ1 Mi ds have special touches:
- “Fearless” Collection (2019) – Inside tongue tag had inspirational quotes (e.g., “DREAMER” on the Face TASM pair).
- “Paris” Mid – The pastel colors were inspired by French macarons.
- “First Class” Mid – The ticket-style hangtag was a nod to luxury travel.
- “Linen” Mid – The sock liner had a hidden floral pattern.
- Fun Fact: Some early Mi ds (2000s) had a “Jump man Air” tongue tag instead of “Nike Air” (like the OG Highs).
2. Customization & DIY Hacks
Turn your M ds into one-of-a-kind kicks:
- Paint Them – Use Angelus leather paint to create your own “Chicago” or “Shattered Backboard” colorway.
- Lace Swap – Try oval, flat, or waxed laces for a fresh look (e.g., sail laces on “Light Smoke Grey”).
- Dye the Swoosh – Use Ri t dye to change the color of a white Swoosh.
- Add Zippers or Straps – Some customizers turn Mi ds into high-fashion hybrids.
- Pro Tip: Mi ds are great for customs because they’re cheaper to experiment on than Highs.
Celebrity & Pop Culture Influence
- While AJ1 Highs get most of the spotlight, Mi ds have been rocked by:
- Travis Scott – Wore the “Black/Gym Red” Mid before his own COLL abs.
- Billie EI EI– Frequently styles Mi ds with her baggy fits.
- Luka Don CIC– NBA star and Jordan athlete has been seen in Mi ds off-court.
- Tyler, The Creator – Sported the “Pine Green” Mid in early IG pics.
- Did You Know? The “Mocha” Mid (2018) was a sneaky preview of the Travis Scott x AJ1 High “Mocha” hype.
4. How to Clean & Protect AJ1 Mi ds
- Leather Mi ds: Use a microfiber cloth + mild soap (avoid harsh brushes).
- Crease Prevention: Force Fields or stuffing shoes with socks when not worn.
- Warning: Never throw Mi ds in the washing machine—it ruins the glue and shape.
5. Underrated AJ1 M ids That Might Skyrocket in Value
Keep an eye on these sleepers:
- “Milwaukee Bucks” Purple/Green (regional rarity)
- “Alternate Bred” (black/red with a white toe)
- “Diamond Shorts” (women’s exclusive with iridescent Swoosh)
- “Pine Green” 2.0 (better than the 2018 version)
- “Igloo” (sail/blue, similar to the “UNC” High)
- Resale Tip: Check SLOCKX sales history before buying—some Mi ds randomly spike.
6. Why Do Some Sneakerheads Hate Mi ds?
- The “Mid vs. High” debate boils down to:
- “Not OG Enough” – MJ never wore Mi ds on-court.
- Materials – Often stiffer leather than Highs.
- Hype Bias – Resale market favors Highs.
How to Get AJ1 M ids for UNDER Retail
Yes, it’s possible:
- eBay Used Section – Look for “pre-owned, clean” pairs.
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday – Retailers like Foot Locker discount Mids.
- Local Sneaker Groups – Sellers often undercut STOCKX prices.
- Secret Trick: Some Nordstrom Rack/JC PENNEY stores get random Mid drops.
8. AJ1 Mi ds in Video Games & Media
- Fort NITE– The “Jordan Skins” include a Mid-like model.
- NBA 2K – MYP layer can wear Mi ds in some editions.
- Sneaker Movies – M ids appear in “Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1”.
1. The Secret History of AJ1 Mi ds: Prototypes & Unreleased Samples
- “Air Jordan 1.5 ” Experiment (1985): Before the Mid existed, Nike played with a hybrid sole (AJ1 upper + Air Jordan 2 midsole). Some early Mid designs borrowed from this.
- “AJKO Mid” Concept: A few test pairs of canvas Mi ds (like the AJKO High) leaked in 2012 but never released.
- “Strap Sample” Mid: A 2006 prototype had a Velcro ankle strap (similar to the AJ1 High Strap from 2009).
- Fun Fact: The first official “Mid” designation didn’t appear until the early 2000s—before that, they were just called “lower-cut AJ1s.”
2 . AJ1 Mi ds in Global Subcultures
- Japan’s Love for Mi ds: In Harajuku, Mi ds are more popular than Highs because they fit the streetwear slim-fit aesthetic.
- UK Grime Scene: Artists like SKE PTA and STOR MZY have worn Mid s in music videos.
- Brazil’s Sneakerheads: Mi ds are huge in São Paulo due to their affordability vs. imported Highs.
- Hip-Hop’s Mid Influence: Before Travis Scott blew up Highs, ASAP Nast and Vince Staples were rocking Mid s in the early 2010s.
3. Future Predictions: Where Are Mi ds Headed?
- More Col labs: Jordan Brand is testing Mid exclusives (like the A Ma Man IERE AJ2 Low treatment).
- Tech Upgrades: Possible React or Zoom cushioning in future drops.
- Resale Surge: As Highs get pricier, rare Mi ds will climb (e.g., “FACETASM” is already at $1,000+ DS).
- Hot Take: By 2030, Mi ds could be as respected as Lows are now (which also used to get hate).
…..Air Jordan 1 Mid……