The Air Jordan 1 Mid: why does this pair divide opinions?
Did you know that the favorite pair of Michael Jordan was the Air Jordan 1 Mid? Sometimes disliked in the sneakerhead community, with its mid-top variant, the pair struggles to be accepted by the general public. To understand why, let's revisit the history of the Air Jordan 1 Mid together.
The creation of the Air Jordan 1 Mid
In 1987, Tinker Hatfield had to create a new signature sneaker for Michael Jordan. He discussed with the basketball player to determine the artistic direction to take. It turns out that MJ found the Air Jordan 1 and 2 too high, which sometimes hindered his movements. The solution? Design the Air Jordan with a lower height. As divisive as it may be, it is currently one of the best-selling pairs. Two decades later, the pair made a comeback with the "Fearless: Maison Château-Rouge", a model that brings a breath of fresh air to the Mid universe, but which will remain the subject of many controversies.
The success of the Air Jordan 1 Mid in Japan
In the 90s and 2000s, the sneaker community represented a subculture: it was still far from the norm to collect sneakers. However, in Japan, Nike observed an increased demand for new releases from Japanese sneakerheads. They meticulously bought, stored, and collected their favorite pairs. Nike obviously saw this Japanese passion for sneakers as an opportunity to strengthen their presence in the region while catering to their unique tastes. Thus, Co.JP was born to work with Japanese retailers and create exclusive collaborations in Japan. One of the most remarkable of these releases was a series of Air Jordan 1 Mid titled "Japan Pack", which was available in smaller sizes to fit the Japanese consumer. Available in 4 colors, the gray colorway was the most limited with only 2001 pairs released. Following its success in Japan, Nike then launched the "Patent Pack" in 2003, firmly cementing the success of the Air Jordan Mids in the lineup.
Why does the Air Jordan Mid divide opinions?
The Air Jordan 1 Mid is not always viewed favorably by the sneaker community, even though it is more affordable, more accessible, and sold in larger quantities than the Air Jordan 1 High. What are the reasons? It is true that purists express some doubts about the legitimacy of the model in the very exclusive range of Air Jordan 1. Indeed, the leathers and materials used in the pair are considered to be of lower quality and differ from the High. The model has also never been produced with the OG colorway (except for the Old Love/New Love pack released in 2006 with the original "Black Toe" colorway). In the minds of many, the Air Jordan 1 Mid is a “consolation prize” when the AJ1 High versions are sold out. At that time, the Air Jordan 1 High became increasingly inaccessible as the releases were limited: Nike then revived the AJ 1 Mid to satisfy frustrated consumers.
Air Jordan 1 Mid: a rich and international history
The Air Jordan 1 Mid consistently ranks among the top-selling sneakers. Highly appreciated by the new generation, they disappear as quickly as the Highs, with a resale price ranging from €200 to €250. The Air Jordan 1 Mid has an incredibly rich history. Thanks to Michael Jordan's affinity for this pair and its success in Japan, it has managed to meet the demands of a very passionate group of collectors. Ultimately, this pair will become an iconic model in notable sneaker collections. New models are constantly being created, and the pair proves to be more accessible than the high pairs. In terms of comfort, the Air Jordan 1 Mid offers a foot feel similar to the AJ 1 High and Low. Where the model may differ, however, is in the construction of the upper. The forefoot is doubly reinforced to exert pressure around your forefoot. It is also a fairly narrow silhouette, which may not appeal to everyone, but has the merit of surprising!
