Do Sneakerheads still hate Mids?
By Rebecca Noronha
Are Mids REALLY that bad?
Mid-tops have gone through the wringer when it comes to the love-hate relationship sneakerheads have with them. Are they truly inferior? Or is it just the masses joining the bandwagon of celebrity/sneakerhead opinions and avoiding the judgement they may face if they admit their positive perspectives on the sneakers?
In the end, liking or disliking mids is subjective and depends on personal preferences, fashion trends, and taste. But there may be certain legit reasons as to why some people have unfavourable opinions about them.
Limited Versatility
Compared to low and high-tops, mids are frequently thought to be less adaptable. Highs are frequently regarded as a fashion statement, whilst lows are more frequently connected to athletic/casual attire. Sometimes, mids can be found in the middle of these two categories, making it difficult to match them with certain outfits. “Especially for the case of Jordan 1’s, the OG kicks are the highs, and the lows are the less costly variant of the highs, which makes sneaker culture more accessible to more people. Mids are like this weird middle ground where it neither looks like the highs nor is priced like the lows”, says Christoph Mhowdawalla, Oman based sneakerhead. Some believe that they lack a unique identity or fashion appeal on par with either lows or highs.
Fit & Proportion
For some people, mid-tops may result in an unflattering visual proportion on their feet or legs. Lows or highs may seem to provide a person's body type, a more balanced or attractive appearance, depending on personal preferences.
Individual Style
Personal tastes for fashion have a big impact on how people view sneakers. Depending on their aesthetic inclinations, some people could just prefer the look or feel of low-top or high-top sneakers and find mids less appealing. “I wouldn’t say the hate is warranted because ultimately it comes down to personal choice and whether it fits your style. For me, it doesn’t, because I don’t like what the build and silhouette of a Jordan 1 Mid looks like. I’m not a big fan of high-top shoes either but mids, the way they cut off at the ankle just don’t look that good, personally” says Aaryan Mathew, Pune based sneakerhead.
Lack of Prominence
Mid-tops could not get as much attention as low or high-top sneakers since some of their brands or designs might not have had much of an impact on sneaker culture, giving them the impression of being less appealing. The most hyped models, which are frequently lows or highs linked to collaborations or limited releases, may be prioritised by some sneakerheads.
Authentic History
Sneakerheads frequently place a high importance on genuineness and the background of iconic sneakers. Some mid-top sneakers may be viewed as deviations from the original models that stray from the desirable and authentic low-top or high-top versions.
Sneakerheads have a wide range of tastes and preferences. In fact, mid-top versions of many classic sneaker types are accessible and highly prized by sneakerheads. Within the sneaker community, there is a strong following for these mid-tops. When evaluating sneakers, sneakerheads place more importance on aspects like the design, rarity, quality, brand history, and cultural significance rather than just the height of the shoe. “Nike Dunk mids are probably one of my favourite silhouettes because of the way they’re built. But when you talk about a Jordan 1 mid, it makes the shoe feel a little incomplete and lacking character. It’s not the same with the Jordan 1 lows because they have a similar look to the SB Dunk or a regular skateshoe. Mids don’t really have the same palpable range like highs which are the best, silhouette wise, personally” says Aaryan Mathew.
Mid-top sneakers have several positive aspects that make them appealing to many individuals. It’s important to focus on the flip side of it as well.
Comfort
Compared to lows, mid-tops offer additional ankle support. They are a comfortable option for activities involving moderate movement or impact because of the extra height around the ankle, which can provide some support/protection without putting any restrictions on movement. For some people, they strike the ideal balance between fashion and practicality, making them a fantastic addition to their footwear collection. “I generally prefer mid-tops to any other cut, to be honest. Although most people think highs are superior, I disagree. Mids are far less clunky and they have the added benefit of showing an inch or two more of your ankles and accentuating your height. To me, they’re the best of both worlds and the perfect choice” says Rhys Coutinho, Mumbai based sneakerhead.
Iconic and Historical Models
A number of iconic sneaker models come in mid-top variations, which increases their popularity. These mid-tops frequently have a distinctive past, a place in culture, and a following among sneakerheads.
Unique Style
Compared to lows and highs, mid-tops have a unique appearance. They are a distinctive fashion choice for people looking for something different from the more conventional styles. They are a versatile choice for both informal and somewhat more formal settings because they can be dressed up or down.
“I feel like if you love the legacy of Michael Jordan and appreciate Air Jordans, then why hate on the mids? Personally, they come with better colourways and are affordable for the masses”, says Aniket Sequeria, Mumbai based sneakerhead. When choosing sneakers, one's personal preferences and style choices should take precedence above just following the herd. When it comes to sneaker preferences, it's critical to value diversity and appreciate others who make different decisions. In the end, everyone ought to be able to enjoy wearing the sneakers they find appealing without having to deal with unwarranted criticism or negativity.
