In the world of shoes, few silhouettes hold the same cultural weight as the Air Jordan 1. Since its debut in 1985, the AJ1 has evolved from rebellious court icon to lifestyle staple, its influence extending far beyond basketball. But within the vast library of colorways and collaborations, there’s a particular pair that sneakerheads have long held close: the Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘New Love’.

First released in 2007 as part of the ‘Old Love/New Love’ pack, this bold black and yellow colorway stood out immediately. Not just because of its striking palette—but because it offered something rare: a mid-cut Jordan 1 that actually made waves in a scene often dominated by highs and lows. Now, after several years and a quiet reissue in 2017, ‘New Love’ still feels fresh. Still feels personal. Still feels—yes—loved.

The Story Behind ‘New Love’

When Jordan Brand dropped the “Old Love/New Love” pack, it was a play on Michael Jordan’s dual passions: basketball and motorsports. The “Old Love” pair paid tribute to MJ’s roots on the hardwood with a classic Chicago colorway. The “New Love” Mid, on the other hand, reflected his growing fascination with racing, a sport he pursued post-retirement.

The yellow and black color scheme channels that adrenaline. It’s bold, almost aggressive. But it’s also clean. With its black nubuck overlays and varsity yellow leather underlays, the ‘New Love’ struck the rare balance between loud and wearable. It didn’t just tell a story—it looked good doing it.

And while mids are often overshadowed by the more hyped highs, the ‘New Love’ was different. It wasn’t a watered-down version of a classic. It was its own moment. A standalone hit with staying power.

Design Breakdown: What Makes It Work

Let’s talk materials. The 2017 retro made some updates from the original 2007 version—most notably swapping out the jeweled Wings logo for a traditional stamped one and removing the clear outsole in favor of a solid black finish. These tweaks made the shoe more grounded, more everyday-wearable. They also gave it a bit more of that retro flair, aligning it visually with OG Jordan 1s.

The contrast between the matte black overlays and the punchy yellow leather pops in natural light. On-foot, it’s a head-turner without trying too hard. The mid-top cut offers versatility: high enough for that basketball silhouette, low enough to wear with cuffed denim or shorts.

The comfort is what you’d expect from a modern Jordan 1: adequate for lifestyle use, but not built for serious performance. This shoe isn’t about innovation. It’s about identity.

Mids, the Underdog

Let’s address the elephant in the room: in the hierarchy of Air Jordan 1s, mids often get side-eyed. They’re more accessible, more widely released, and often seen as the “lesser” option. But that stigma is outdated—especially when you look at what a pair like the ‘New Love’ has done for the mid narrative.

This colorway helped build a bridge between casual fans and purists. For many, it was an entry point into the world of Jordans. And for longtime collectors, it became a kind of cult classic—one of the few mids that commands real respect in sneaker conversations.

Today, as mids continue to evolve in design and popularity, the ‘New Love’ feels like a proof point: when the colorway hits, and the story resonates, silhouette bias fades.

Cultural Impressions and Street Cred

You can’t talk about Jordans without talking about the culture. And the ‘New Love’—despite being a mid—has earned its place. It’s been spotted on rappers, skaters, and stylists. It’s shown up in streetwear lookbooks and quietly held resale value even in the face of stiff competition.

What gives it this staying power? It might be the bold color-blocking. It might be the way it evokes taxi cabs, bumblebees, warning signs—symbols of energy and motion. Or maybe it’s just the fact that it feels authentic. Not hype-driven. Not manufactured. Just a solid shoe with a backstory and a vibe.

Who It’s For

The ‘New Love’ isn’t just for diehard Jordan collectors. It’s for anyone who appreciates good design and a bit of attitude. It’s a sneaker that works across styles—streetwear, athleisure, even pared-down minimalism if you style it right.

It’s also an ideal rotation piece. Unlike the white-on-whites or the monochromes of the moment, the black and yellow palette stands out without clashing. It’s not trying to match everything—it’s trying to mean something.

And for newer sneakerheads, the ‘New Love’ is a kind of history lesson. It connects you to the broader narrative of MJ’s post-basketball life, of risk-taking, of loving something new.

Impression

In a sneaker landscape that moves fast and forgets faster, the Air Jordan 1 Mid ‘New Love’ has quietly held its ground. It’s not the loudest release. It’s not the rarest. But it has something most mids don’t: a legacy.

It’s a reminder that great sneakers aren’t just about hype or price tags. They’re about what they represent. And in this case, the ‘New Love’ represents evolution, passion, and a little bit of rebellion.

You don’t have to be a collector to wear them. You just have to understand what they stand for.

And that’s love—new, old, and everything in between.

 

No comments yet.