Gear Review

A Comparison of Two Iconic Shoes: Air Jordan 1 Low vs. Air Force 1 ‘07

*An in-depth look at versatility, comfort, build quality, and style.*

2

Pairs Compared

~$110

Price Point

4

Pairs Owned

2023

Plans

Table of Contents

• ①Introduction
• ②Comparison Breakdown
• ③Conclusion
• ④My Current Rotation

Section I

Introduction

I’m surprised so few people have posted comparisons between these two iconic shoes:

• →Air Jordan 1 Low
• →Air Force 1 ‘07

Both are basketball shoes that are famous in their own right, sharing similar price points of $110 with comparable materials and build qualities.

 

Section II

Comparison Breakdown

Versatility: Air Force 1

When it comes to versatility, I give it to the Air Force 1s. In the Triple White colorway, they can match so many outfits and styles. A close second are the Jordan 1s, which in certain colorways can really make a bland outfit pop. However, Air Force 1s look better with baggy jeans due to their chunkier profile, while Jordan 1s pair well with slimmer jeans.

Comfort: Air Force 1

In terms of comfort, I’ll need to break in the leather on the Jordan 1s, as they are stiffer than the Air Force 1s. The thicker sole and air unit of the Air Force 1s make me feel they will win out for long-haul treks.

I'm sure that once the stiff leather of the Jordan 1s breaks in, they will be just as comfortable as the Air Force 1s. This reminds me of breaking in a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths. Another plus for the Air Force 1s is their midsole support; they tend to wear wider than Air Jordans. I wear size 10.5 in Air Jordans and manage size 10 in the Air Force 1s.

Build Quality: Jordan 1

When it comes to build quality, I’ve noticed loose threads, some glue, and misalignment on the Air Force 1s, although nothing major. The leather and materials feel cheaper compared to the crisp Jordan 1s. Overall, Jordan 1s feel more premium, even though they both retail near the same price point.

Look Appeal

The Jordan 1s are all about announcing their presence—you definitely know when someone is wearing a pair. In contrast, the Air Force 1s, especially in Triple White, are more subdued and meant to complement your outfit without being the center of attention.

Sometimes you want to make a statement, and sometimes you prefer refinement. Both styles work well in their own right. Personally, I really love how the Jordan 1s look with a pair of jeans. While the Air Force 1s could work, certain styles of jeans can look funny with them. Air Force 1s are great with almost any pair of shorts, while the Jordan 1s can feel a bit much in that scenario.

Section III

Conclusion

If you can own only one pair and need to wear it daily, I’d recommend the Air Force 1s. However, if you can rotate shoes, then the Jordan 1s are a must. While Jordan 1s can work as a daily pair, they lack the versatility and comfort offered by the Air Force 1s.

Section IV

My Current Rotation

Fortunately, I can rock four pairs of shoes:

• →Air Jordan 1 Low — Reverse Black Toe
• →Air Force 1 — White
• →Court Vision — White/Blue
• →Converse All-Star — White

I also have a pair of Black Nike Milers but found them underwhelming in comfort and versatility. In hindsight, I should have opted for a pair of Air Max Excee, which would have been cheaper! But I plan to rectify that shortly by picking up a second pair of Jordan 1s in 2023.

Happy stepping!