As a sneakerhead, you might have wondered what the differences between the Jordan 1 Low and High are beyond just collar height. While the high-tops are typically the more popular, Nike continues to release both styles to this day, making the choice of which to add to your collection rather tricky. In this guide, we break down the key similarities and differences between these top-tier sneakers and help you decide which is right for you. But first, let's explore the history of the Jordan 1, one of the most iconic Air Jordans ever made.
History
In 1984, the Chicago Bulls made a game-changing decision by selecting Michael Jordan as the third overall pick in the NBA draft. Shortly after, the world witnessed the birth of the Nike Air Jordan 1 in 1985 - an iconic basketball sneaker that has since earned its place among the greatest of all time.
Designed by Peter Moore, this high-top shoe boasted a sleek design inspired by the Nike Dunk, showcasing the iconic Nike Swoosh, a distinctive Jordan 'Wings' emblem, and innovative Nike Air units embedded within the midsoles.
Although Jordan notably sported the initial "Banned," now known as "Bred," high-tops (initially thought to be Nike Air Ships), and the classic "Chicago" 1s, it's often overlooked that the Jordan 1 Low also made its debut during that period. In fact, the Jordan 1 Low arrived in various colorways mirroring its high-top counterparts, featuring designs inspired by the Bulls and metallic finishes.
While the Jordan 1 Highs made a comeback in 1994, likely due to their immense popularity, the Lows took a bit longer, resurfacing in the early 2000s, towards the end of Michael Jordan's illustrious playing career. This delayed return marked a reunion for fans with this lesser-known but equally stylish counterpart to the famed high-tops.
Price
When comparing the two variations, you might wonder which comes with a lower price tag. Typically, low-top Jordan 1s, like the highly sought-after "Mocha" Lows, tend to be more affordable than some of the best high-top Jordan 1s.
This price difference is partly due to the extra materials needed to construct the taller collars on high-tops. However, the main factor driving up the cost of Jordan 1 Highs is probably their overwhelming popularity and demand over the years. As the model famously worn by MJ on the court in the '80s, it's no surprise that this version remains the must-have for fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
Design and comfort
The most noticeable difference between the low and high-top Jordan 1s is the collar height, with the Highs standing around 6.25 inches from the sole to the top of the ankle collar.
This added height provides more ankle support and lateral stability, making high-tops a potential advantage if you're planning to wear them on the court. On the other hand, low-tops offer a more flexible fit, which some athletes may find less restrictive and potentially beneficial to their performance—whether that's a real effect or simply a placebo.
A study by Run Repeat—a review of 31 academic sources—found no significant evidence that shoe collar height directly impacts athletic performance. That's worth keeping in mind if you plan to wear Jordan 1s on the court.
Comfort-wise, though, both Jordan 1 Lows and Jordan 1 Highs are comfortable to wear all day long as both, as their name suggests, feature Nike Air technology in the midsole, improving the support underneath significantly compared to rival sneakers.
Jordan 1 Low vs High: Which should you buy?
It’s tough to say definitively which pair you should choose, as both the Low and High Jordan 1s have their own unique appeal and purpose.
While they share the same core design, their silhouettes differ significantly, offering different styling possibilities. The low-tops, with their shorter collars, resemble some of the best Air Force 1s, making them a solid option for everyday wear and casual outfits.
On the court, however, we’d lean toward the high-tops. Their taller collars provide extra ankle support, making them better suited for the fast-paced demands of basketball.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal style and needs, but with these insights, you should be able to make an informed decision on which version suits you best.
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That's it! We hope this comparison helped you pick between the Jordan 1 Low and the Jordan 1 High. Stay tuned for more guides like this at RealKit.