As any self-respecting sneakerhead knows, Air Jordan 1’s are a quintessential addition to any collection. Designed in 1985, they have become an iconic symbol of culture and style. However, there’s a continuous debate between two models of this classic sneaker: the Air Jordan 1 Mid and the Air Jordan 1 High. While they might appear similar at first glance, there are notable differences between the two.
In this guide, we’ll explore five key distinctions between the Air Jordan 1 Mids and Highs, plus the crucial factor of eyelets. By the end, you’ll be able to differentiate these popular sneakers and make an informed decision on your next pair.
Height
Perhaps the most noticeable difference between the Air Jordan 1 Mid and High is their height. As the names suggest, the Mids are a bit shorter than the Highs. This difference in height translates to a variation in eyelets: Highs feature nine, while Mids have eight. Eyelets are the small holes through which shoelaces pass, contributing to the overall fit and look of the shoe.
Price
The height difference also affects the price point. Generally, Air Jordan 1 Highs are more expensive than Mids due to their closer resemblance to the original design, which appeals to purist sneaker enthusiasts. Additionally, Highs are often produced in more limited quantities, leading to increased demand and higher resale prices. At retail, Air Jordan 1 Highs cost $180 and Air Jordan 1 Mids cost $125. You can get Air Jordan 1 Mids and Highs at retail by following our guide.
Colorways
Colorways refer to the unique combinations of colors used in a sneaker’s design. The Air Jordan 1 High typically releases in more traditional, vintage, and coveted colorways reminiscent of the original 1985 design. On the other hand, Mids often showcase contemporary, experimental colorways catering to those looking for more variety and modern appeal. The Editor of our Sneaker section owns two pairs of Mids. They wear them as everyday shoes for things like outdoor work or everyday errands. The Sneaker team at Xylo News is in consensus that sometimes there are Air Jordan 1 Mid colorways that we just need to have and they’re not available as a high.
Some Air Jordan 1 Mids from Nike.com:
Material Quality
Highs generally have superior material quality compared to Mids. The leather on Highs is usually softer, more textured, and more comfortable, replicating the premium feel of the original 1985 release. On the contrary, Mids, while still decent quality, may utilize synthetic materials. For example, if you look at the product details of the Jordan 1 Mids it says: Leather, synthetic leather and textile upper for a supportive feel. Where another pair of Air Jordan 1 Highs have a simpler description: “Classic leather offers durability and structure.” There is no mention of synthetic leather in most Air Jordan 1 High descriptions we found.
Branding and Shoeboxes
The branding is another critical difference. The Air Jordan 1 High usually features the iconic “Nike Air” branding on the tongue, aligning with the original design. The Mids, however, sport the Jumpman logo on the tongue and the AIR logo on the heel—distinct variations from the High model.
Additionally, there is a big difference in the quality of the sneaker box. If you are a picky about the type of sneaker box your Jordans come in you may want to stick with Highs. Jordan 1 Mids come in a very basic Jordan box where Jordan 1 Highs come in a larger box that is specialized for each colorway.
The Verdict
The choice between Air Jordan 1 Mids and Highs comes down to your personal preference, budget, and how much you value factors like height, price, colorways, material quality, and branding. Here at Xylo News we believe that Mids are valid. Even Michael Jordan has been seen rocking Air Jordan 1 Mids on a court.
Both versions carry the Jordan brand’s legacy, but with distinct features catering to different audiences. Whether you’re a hardcore sneakerhead or just a casual fan, understanding these differences is key to building your dream collection.
Xylo News 