Jordan 1 High, Mid or Low? The Differences Explained
An Air Jordan 1 is not just an Air Jordan 1. The same silhouette comes in three heights – High, Mid and Low – and the differences go beyond the collar. They affect how the shoe feels, how it fits, what it works with, and how the model is seen within sneaker culture.
This guide shows how to tell the three apart and which version suits you.
A quick word on history
The Air Jordan 1 arrived in 1985 as Michael Jordan's first signature shoe. The High is the original and remains the iconic shape. A Low version existed back in the 80s as well. The Mid came along much later and is more of a general retail version than a retro in the strict sense.
The three side by side
| High | Mid | Low | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collar height | Above the ankle | Just below the High | Below the ankle |
| Eyelet pairs | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Tongue label | „Nike Air“ on OG versions | Jumpman | Depends on the version |
| Feel on foot | Firm, plenty of support | Like the High, a little looser | Free, light |
| Styling | Statement | Everyday | Easy-going, summer-friendly |
| Reputation | The original | Contested | Popular, especially the OG |
High: the original
The tall collar wraps the ankle and gives noticeable support. On most versions the leather is firm and takes a few days to give. High OG versions carry „Nike Air“ on the tongue label – for many people that is the mark of a true retro.
Who it's for: anyone who wants the shoe to be the centre of the outfit and has no problem with a firm collar.
Mid: the compromise
At first glance it is hard to tell from the High. The most reliable markers: eight eyelet pairs instead of nine, a Jumpman rather than „Nike Air“ on the tongue, and a slightly lower collar.
Within sneaker culture the Mid has a difficult reputation, because it is seen as a retail version without the history of the original. That is scene logic, not a question of quality: on foot you barely notice a difference, and the Mid often comes in colours the High never gets.
Who it's for: anyone who wants the silhouette and doesn't care about resale status.
Low: the everyday shoe
Flat, light, nothing touching the ankle. The Low is the easiest of the three to wear and works in warm weather too. Low OG versions stay closer to the 1985 original and are in higher demand than the standard Low.
Who it's for: anyone after a versatile everyday sneaker who doesn't need the tall collar.
Sizing: all three true to size
In length, High, Mid and Low all run true – stay with your usual size. The differences are in the feel:
- High: tight at the ankle, especially when new. Don't size up because of it – the collar gives.
- Mid: like the High, marginally looser.
- Low: the freest of the three; with a narrow foot, consider half a size down.
The conversion between US, UK and EU is in our sneaker size chart. If shoes generally pinch across the ball of your foot, read the guide to sneaker widths.
Styling
- High: best with a cuffed or short hem so the collar stays visible. Under wide trousers exactly what makes the High disappears.
- Mid: same rules as the High.
- Low: goes almost anywhere – slim trousers, shorts, straight jeans.
More in the styling guide.
Care
Most Jordan 1s are smooth leather, some with suede or patent panels. Smooth leather: wipe down damp, condition now and then. Creasing across the toe box is almost unavoidable on a Jordan 1 – shoe trees between wears reduce it considerably.
Material-by-material instructions are in how to clean sneakers.
Which one is for you?
High, if you want the original and the shoe is allowed to take centre stage.
Mid, if you like the look of the High but are after a particular colour or don't care about scene status.
Low, if you want a Jordan for every day – summer included.
You'll find every model in the Air Jordan 1 collection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I spot a Mid straight away?
Easiest by the eyelets: the Mid has eight pairs, the High nine. Plus a Jumpman instead of „Nike Air“ on the tongue.
Is the Mid built worse than the High?
Not as a rule. Materials and construction vary by release across all three heights. The difference lies mainly in history and perception.
What does OG mean on a Jordan 1?
OG marks versions that stay close to the 1985 original – on the High and Low, among other things, through „Nike Air“ on the tongue.
Which is the most comfortable?
The Low, because nothing presses against the ankle. In cushioning the three barely differ.
Do all three fit the same?
In length, yes. The tall collar on the High and Mid feels tighter at first; that settles after a few days.
For how the Jordan 1 stacks up against the Air Force 1, the Dunk and the adidas classics, see our overview of the most important sneaker classics.