The Air Jordan 1 is, obviously, a very comfortable sneaker. First introduced in the ’80s, the basketball shoe is widely-regarded as one of the greatest feeling hardcourt models out there. If it’s not comfy enough for you, the Air Jordan 1 CMFT might be more your style.
Revealed in 2020, the CMFT is the latest instalment in Nike’s CMFT line. Focusing on giving wearers the best on-foot experience that they can get, the off-shoot has since been blessed with countless coveted collabs and colourways. If you’re thinking of copping a pair but you’re unsure what the differences are, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll be going through sizing, materials, design, and technologies. So, let’s get to it!
The Air Jordan 1 is a true classic. Revealed in 1985, it was designed by the legendary Peter Moore and was Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe with Nike. Thought to be the most iconic trainer ever made by countless sneakerheads, it was unlike anything else out there. Fast forward 35 years and the Jumpman label has taken the wraps off of the CMFT. As its name states, it focuses on the comfort side of things, and this results in a range of differences compared to the regular pair.
Generally speaking, both the AJ1 and the CMFT fit true to size (TTS). With that said, the toebox on the latter is slightly roomier, so if you’re used to the narrow shape of the former this might feel slightly different on foot.
With that said, we’d still recommend going true to size rather than sizing down. If you feel that there’s just a bit too much space around the front, you can either wear thicker socks or slide in an additional insole. Tightening the laces more will also help significantly.
For the past four decades, the Air Jordan 1 has always been crafted from leather, switching between smooth and tumbled textures depending on the release. That said, the CMFT drops this in favour of an all suede upper that’s soft and supple to the touch.
The collar has been updated with canvas panelling for additional support, and the lateral and medial sidewalls boast a cut out for the Nike Swoosh.
In general, the CMFT is slightly taller compared to the AJ1, thanks to its heightened ankle. This provides wearers with more support when dribbling on the court.
Interestingly, when designing the CMFT version, Jordan Brand decided to give it a much large tongue tag which lends for a more rugged and utilitarian aesthetic. This element was quite controversial in the beginning, but sneakerheads have grown to like it over the years.
This is where things really differ between both of these models. While the AJ1 features the critically-acclaimed Air technology, the CMFT rendition updates this with Zoom Air that’s arguably even better. This is the same technology that’s used on Nike SB Dunks, and offers wearers with unrivalled response with every single step.
The CMFT 2, which was revealed in 2022, replaces the classic rubber sole housing with Jordan Brand’s newly-developed Formula 23 foam that feels like you’re walking on a pair of plump clouds.
Unlike the Air Jordan 1, the CMFT is more widely available. This means you won’t have to enter hundreds of raffles and queue for hours on end just to secure your size. If you want to add these to your collection, grab a pair right here:
If you’re looking for an awesome basketball shoe that’s destined to dominate the court, the Air Jordan 1 is the one for you. With that said, if comfort is something that means a lot to you then the Air Jordan 1 CMFT is definitely an option worth exploring. Offering unbeatable support, the midsole has also been reworked with Zoom Air and Formula 23 foam for cushioning and response like nothing else out there. While it certainly isn’t as hyped as its OG cousin, it’s getting more and more popular by the second.
