I copped these on this pair on Feb 6th, 2022 (on sell).
These came out to be perfect out of the box, I think considering the insane quality, these really need a special box. The material quality on these is insanely good like that of the airmax 1 87' PRM Burgundy Crush (did not photograph them yet) or like that. I think these are actually better than some of my NB 1906R or many of these Adidas Forum 84 PRM releases.
Many people in sneaker forums think both NB and Adidas are far superior to Nike in quality and quality control, but I think it is not really correct. It used to be like that, most NB shoes even cheaper ones were far better than similar Nike shoes in similar price ranges, but now Nike has rectified their QC issues and so the actual QC on Nike shoes are better than most other brands shoes in similar price range. I guess Nike's Vietnamese workers got more experienced as they got more matured and now, they seem to be just as good as their more experienced Chinese labors who Nike used to train for their highend shoe plants in China. Many people believe NB's made in US or UK shoes are very special in terms of quality and quality control and that's because these shoes are made in US or UK, but I think it is wrong. It is not where they are made or not made, but who made these shoes, or how experienced these shoemakers are that is actually important. I think it is as simple as that. These US shoemakers of NB are simply more experienced than those cheap Asian labors that most shoe brands are using for their cheaper grade shoes these days (even NB use them for their made in Vietnam or Cambodia shoes). Honestly, these shoes do not have to be made in US or UK or even Japan or Mexico but should be produced by skilled experienced workers (it really does not matter where these shoes are produced or assembled in). I got many great quality pairs from China, Turkey, US, UK or any place. In fact, the best quality sneakers I bought in the last 4 years or so were all from Turkey. I really believe Made series NB shoes are really overrated for their supposed to be better quality control and material quality. These are not much better than their high-end made in China shoes like the 2002R or the 550's although these Made shoes cost 3 times more than the 550's or the 2002Rs.
That said, I still prefer their made in US shoes for psychological reasons. I just like made in Western countries better, but I do not think the quality of these shoes is much better than the quality of high-end Chinese or Turkish NB or Nike shoes. It is a psychological issue rather than a physical one.
UPDATE: this specific type of AF1 pair seem to be a bit more durable and more comfortable for everyday activities.
the midsole feels a bit more responsive than the regular cheaper AF1's. the upper feels a bit softer.
I never understand why so many people at Reddit hate AF1's in favor of the AJ1's or Dunk Low. To me the AF1's are better shoes regardless of the money or the branding. To most people who are serious about basketball culture, the Jordans are something really special or even celestial grails, but to me or to most people who just love shoes, Michael Jordan is nothing but a super-rich greedy businessman (I am joking but), and I prefer the boxy silhouette of the Forces over the bit pointier silhouette of the Jordan and Dunk. but if I say this openly in any shoe related forums, I will be labeled as a real moron (like some sort of Creationist who believes earth is flat still). It is sad.
Why can't we love what we actually like rather than what is popular or hyped right now? that said, my true loves are all NB and Airmax shoes. I have many pairs of Jordans, Adidas, Reebok, etc. too, but I think I really prefer NB and Nike airmax and Pegasus line over the other brands' shoes. for me NB runners and Airmax retros are much more comfortable and look better than Basketball related retro shoes. In 2019, I once said this in some sneaker forums, and I was almost banned for saying this I prefer NB and Airmax over Jordan or Dunk. Now many of those guys hated my comments and trashed NB shoes all seem to be following NB. And they all are asking which NB shoes to get to start their humble NB collection. They are slaves to the latest hype and so-called influencers. They always need some internet strangers to tell what shoes they should wear to be cool or what shoes the others in their sneaker forum actually prefer, this colorway or that colorway to get, they cannot even decide that themselves and they are over 21. That's pathetic, isn't it?
Anyway, I think the most iconic and beautiful sneaker silhouette ever invented should be the airmax 1. That's a timless icon, and IMO, should be a bit more respected silhouette, if not the best silhouette of all time.
I love aimrax 1 and 90, and now I also love the Pegasus 89.
Many people think Nike is overrated, but many of their nice silhouettes are actually extremely underrated, just the Dunk Low and Jordan 1 Hi are overrated, in my opinion, but most of the other their iconic silhouettes are all underrated.
