With so many colorways to choose from, finding the best Jordan 1 Mid can be tricky. Fortunately, we've rounded up a selection of mid-tops that, in our opinion, stand out from the crowd as some of the best sneakers around right now.
Rather than focusing on the almost endless selection of mid-tops released since the Jordan 1 first debuted in 1985, we've decided to focus our attention on some best sneaker mid-tops released over the last year or so to narrow down the selection pool, and to ensure the trainers we've picked are a little easier to attain than old-school classic.
On top of this, we've picked out Jordans that feature unique and interesting designs that either think outside the box or pay homage to some of the best Jordan 1 colourways from the past. From old-school designs, like these "Bred Shadow" Mids, to fresh takes on the classic Jordan silhouette in the form of these "Purple Mocha" shoes, we've rounded up the very best right here so you can add a stylish new pair of Jordans to your collection in no time.
Best Jordan 1 Mids
- Air Jordan 1 Mid SE "Paris YMCA"
- Air Jordan 1 Mid "Bred Shadow"
- Air Jordan 1 Mid SE "Metallic Silver"
- Air Jordan 1 Mid "Panda"
- Air Jordan 1 Mid "Purple Mocha"
Air Jordan 1 Mid SE "Paris YMCA"
We're kicking things off with something a little old-school and retro with this Jordan 1 Mid that homages to Europe’s oldest basketball court at the Paris YMCA, dating back to 1893.
It's aptly named the "Paris YMCA" colorway as a result, and it is awesome. It's made from a combination of leather with suede overlays, all of which come dressed in shades of brown that mirror the original court’s dark wooden construction. The sneaker also features a herringbone-style pattern around the heel to add another layer reminiscent of the old-school court.
It's one of our favorite Jordan 1 Mids around at the moment, so we thought it's only right we include it here. Dressed up or down, this colorway is nothing short of excellent.
Reasons to buy:
- An old-school feel for retro lovers
- Combines different materials
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Air Jordan 1 Mid "Bred Shadow"
As any sneakerhead knows, one of the most iconic Jordan 1s of all time is the OG "Bred" colorway. It was the '1' that started it all, and so it's no surprise Nike often draws inspiration from it to revive even just the smallest taste of the classic. However, another pretty iconic colorway was released in 1985 alongside the "Bred", that being the "Shadow" 1s—you might be able to tell where this is going...
Fast forward to 2024 and to Nike releasing this excellent combination of the two, which has the simple yet effective title of the "Bred Shadow". It mixes the gray-on-black appeal of the OG "Shadow" with hits of University Red across the outsole, Jordan branding on the tongue, and interior lining. Of course, you get the usual white midsole too, rounding off this excellent nod to two pieces of Jordan history.
Reasons to buy:
- Combines two legendary colorways into one stylish sneaker
- The color scheme is pretty versatile
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Air Jordan 1 Mid SE "Metallic Silver"
This one is definitely a bit gaudy and won't be everybody's cup of tea, however, we can't fault Nike and Jordan for going for something different with this "Metallic Silver" colorway.
This special edition sneaker reimagines the classic Air Jordan 1 Mid silhouette with eye-catching Metallic Silver overlays and accents. Beneath these, you'll find premium white leather, complete with tonal stitching and matching white laces. The mudguard, forefoot, collar overlays, Swoosh logo, and heel panel are crafted from distressed leather in that shiny silver, giving the shoe a unique, crinkled texture reminiscent of tin foil that captures the light beautifully.
It's extravagant and a bit much, but that's the main appeal when it comes to a colorway like this. As a result, we have to commend Nike for its design decision making this women's exclusive mid-top.
Reasons to buy:
- Bright, bold, and extravagant
- It's a women's exclusive mid-top
Read More: Best low-top sneakers
Air Jordan 1 Mid "Panda"
Next up, we have the Jordan 1 Mid "Panda" which is a simple yet effective addition to the Jordan 1 Mid collection, tailored exclusively for women.
The shoe boasts a captivating and easy-to-pair black and white color scheme across the board, hence the nickname "Panda". In terms of details, the prominent Nike Swoosh graces the side of the shoe, dressed in a sleek black, while the Air Jordan Wings logo stands out in a pristine white hue.
The only other notable detail is its plushly padded collar and tongue. Other than that, it's just your regular Jordan 1 mid-top, although the simplicity of the design is what makes it so great. As a go-to sneaker for everyday wear, this one really is a great option to consider.
Reasons to buy:
- Black and white is simple and versatile
- Has an old-school feel to it
Read More: Best high-top sneakers
Air Jordan 1 Mid "Purple Mocha"
Finally, we come to the Air Jordan 1 Mid "Purple Mocha", a sneaker that showcases a premium leather upper with a foundation of deep black, complemented by rich chocolatey brown overlays which give a sophisticated as well as a unique look to the stylish mid-top.
The most striking element of this shoe though lies in the vibrant violet accents present on the midfoot Swooshes, tongue, laces, sock liner, and Jumpman tongue branding, creating a captivating visual contrast against the predominantly dark upper.
The upper portion of the shoe then adds to that contrast by sitting atop a clean white midsole with Air cushioning for comfort, while the outsole maintains the brown theme, rounding out the overall aesthetic.
Ultimately, this shoe's main takeaway is its distinctive color palette and design, which harmoniously combines the sophistication of the black leather base, the richness of brown overlays and outsole, and the pop of luxurious violet accents on the upper.
Reasons to buy:
- A unique design that fits with a dark outfit
- Bright purple laces and details help it stand out
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With so many different styles of Jordan 1s available, you may have some questions about them. Don't worry because we're here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
Do Jordan 1 Mids run big?
We've discussed whether Jordans run big before, but you may still be wondering how the Jordan 1 Mid fair by comparison.
Generally speaking, Jordans should fit true to size for everyday use and on-court action, all the way through from the 1s to the latest model. With that being said, you may find going a size up to be beneficial for playing in if you've got slightly wider feet as this should ensure your feet remain comfortable and supported, without feeling too tight and restrictive.
If you're unsure, Nike normally has a size chart you can use to compare the size of your feet to the size they recommend for added peace of mind.
Are Jordan 1 Mids comfortable?
All Jordan 1s include Nike Air technology in the midsole which should provide you with a strong starting point for comfort.
One of the most important aspects of making sure your Jordan 1's are comfortable though is to make sure you get the right fit.
You should leave about a finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe as this will make sure your sneakers are bending in the correct place in conjunction with the movement of your foot.
Do Jordan 1 Mids crease?
Generally speaking, creasing is an inevitable part of wearing sneakers, and, no matter how much you try to avoid it, it will happen through constant wear. As the Jordan 1's typically feature stiff leather toe boxes, you may find they crease easier than other shoes.
One of the ways you can try and avoid creasing is by adding foam, cardboard inserts, or some of the best crease protectors after every wear to keep the sneakers straightened out at all times.
Where can you buy new Jordan 1 Mids?
We've previously gone into detail about the best places to buy Jordans but, in short, the first place we'd recommend checking out is Nike as it's the company behind manufacturing Jordan sneakers.
It's also worth keeping in mind that Nike usually launches its newest footwear through its SNKRS page by listing upcoming releases slightly ahead of their arrival.
If you're not able to pick up the Jordans you're after directly through Nike, then we'd recommend checking out resale sites like StockX or GOAT which authenticates every sneaker purchase to ensure what you're getting is legit.
Do Jordan 1 Mids come in women's sizes?
Yes, most Jordan 1 Mids are available in women's sizes. The brand clearly recognizes the popularity of the silhouette among women, so releases almost all its colorways in women's sizing. There are also women's exclusive Jordan 1 Mids released every now and then, so keep an eye out on Nike if you're looking to buy a pair.
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