[Review] Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Obsidian"

In this review, we take a closer look at the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Obsidian”. Keep reading to see what we think about this shoes quality, comfort, and value.

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Air Jordan 1 “Obsidian”

Retail: $160
Released: 8.31.19
Style Code: 555088-140

check current resell

Sneaker Video:

Sneaker Quality

Materials: Air Jordan 1 “Obsidian”

Without a doubt, these have some of the best leather we’ve seen on Jordan 1s in a while. As a matter of fact, the leather on these reminds me of the Pine Green Jordan 1s that released last year.

What stood out the most was the softness of the leather. The feel matched the tumbled texture, while other pairs (ie. “Rookie of The Year Jordan 1") look soft but end up feeling hard and artificial to the hand.

One thing to note, however, is the inconsistency of the materials from shoe to shoe. I inspected 3 pairs of both men’s and grade-school sizes and all had different grades of leather.

All of them had great leather that looked and felt great, but they were all noticeably different,

Construction: Air Jordan 1 “Obsidian”

All of my pairs were flawlessly constructed. All of the stitching was tight and the shape of the toe box was consistent throughout.

Over time, I expect these sneakers to wear well and withstand just about anything I may throw at them. Overall, I’ve been pleased with the durability of all of my Jordan 1s.

Sneaker Fit & Comfort

sizing: Air Jordan 1 “Obsidian”

Air Jordan 1s are a shoe that most people wear “true to size”, but I always to go down half a size. I do this because I prefer a snug fit which minimizes creasing at the toe.

Those with wider feet should to stick to their normal size. If you prefer a snug fit, then go down a half size. If you’re unsure what size would work best for you, visit your local shoe retailer and see if you can try on a pair of Retro High OGs.

“I prefer to go down half a size. I do this because I prefer a snug fit to help minimize toebox creasing.”

— Jared W. | @jaredxwatson

cushioning: Air Jordan 1 “Obsidian”

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again….You can’t expect much cushioning from a shoe that hasn’t been updated much since 1985. Fortunately, Jordan band has plans to update the cushioning in 2020, but as for this shoe, you won’t be blown away.

With that being said, the shoe’s midsole doesn’t feel terrible, but it’s not the best. They’re great to style in, but not to walk a 5k in.

Sneaker Style & Value

wearability:

There’s just something about the way the sail compliments the navy that makes this shoe stylish on-foot.

The minimal amount of “UNC Blue” on the shoe helps improve the wearability of the shoe compared to the Blue Chill Jordan 1s that released earlier in the year.

I would imagine that most people have plenty of items in their closet that would work well with these shoes. As a casual-cool look….light-blue denim, a sport-grey sweatshirt, with a navy hat would set these off perfectly during the cooler months of the year.

“There’s just something about the way the sail compliments the navy that makes this shoe stylish on-foot.”

— Jared W. | @jaredxwatson

pricing:

$160 compared to the higher prices ($190+) of other Jordan retro models seems to be a fair deal for a model that’s so hot in the streets.

Couple this with the fact that this shoe was coupon-eligible at most retailers, then this shoe makes for a hell of a deal.

If you were unable to get a pair for retail on release day, we suggest you cop these ASAP on the resell market before the prices skyrocket over time.

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