Jordan Air Jordan 1 Retro High

At a listed 15 oz, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High "Chicago" is lighter than 28 of the other 34 collectable shoes in our database and heavier than 5 (1 other model lists the same weight). The average across all 35 collectable shoes is 15.5 oz, so it runs 0.5 oz lighter than average. For reference, the lightest is the Nike Kobe 4 Protro (12.4 oz) and the heaviest is the Nike Shox BB4 (17.8 oz).

Its 8 mm heel-to-toe drop is the lowest in this group, shared by 12 of 35 collectable shoes (the most common figure is 9 mm). Drops across the group only run from 8 to 9 mm, so drop is a smaller differentiator than weight or cut height.

It is one of 15 high-cut models among the 35 collectable shoes we track, and it sits in the premium price band (set from manufacturer MSRP), which 20 other models share.

It is one of only 3 collectable shoes we rate as outdoor-capable; the other 32 are rated for indoor courts.

Going by its spec profile, we classify the Air Jordan 1 Retro High "Chicago" for small forwards with an all-around game. You can compare it against every shoe we file for that role in Best Basketball Shoes for Small Forwards.

The high cut gives the most collar coverage around the ankle of the three cut heights, at the cost of some freedom of movement.

It carries an outdoor rating, so it is a reasonable pick if you split time between gym floors and outdoor courts. Width is listed as standard; if you need more toe-box room, see the wide-feet hub.