Air Jordan 1 Zoom Air CMFT 2: Enhanced Comfort Meets Versatile Style
Jordan Brand recently dropped an all-new model: the Air Jordan 1 Zoom Air CMFT 2, a lifestyle-focused revamp of their iconic Air Jordan 1 sneaker. This latest iteration sports a suite of upgrades aimed at making the timeless Jordan 1 silhouette even more wearable for daily use.
Let‘s break down the key enhancements and analyze how they come together into a flexible sneaker that delivers superior comfort without compromising on aesthetics.
The headlining upgrade on the Air Jordan 1 Zoom Air CMFT 2 is right in the name: Zoom Air cushioning. Strategically-placed Zoom Air units amp up the comfort by providing highly responsive impact protection.
The primary Air unit sits in the heel, while an upgraded insole uses perforations and dense foam to offer cushioning underfoot. Combined together, the full-length cushioning system allows for flexible wear while reducing fatigue over long days.
For hardcore sneakerheads like myself that value comfort for all-day wear, this is a major win – no more achy feet after hours of breaking in stiffer Jordan models!
Traction rubber in the outsole plus a wider forefoot platform stabilize each step, complementing the responsive bounce of the embedded Air units. Perhaps most unique, the window cut-out on the bottom actually displays the Air Zoom logo on the internal bag itself when pressure is applied – a fun, stylish touch.
Zoom Air vs Original Jordan 1 Cushioning
| Spec | Zoom Air CMFT 2 | Original Jordan 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Heel Height | 31mm | 31mm |
| Forefoot Height | 21mm | 11mm |
| Heel Zoom Air Unit | Yes | No |
| Full-Length Zoom Insole | Yes | No |
| Impact Protection Rating (1-10) | 9 | 7 |
| Energy Return Rating (1-10) | 8 | 5 |
As the specs show, the Zoom Air CMFT 2 clearly has measurable improvements directly catered towards comfort and impact protection versus the firmer, flatter original recipe Jordan 1.
The 10mm lift in the forefoot plus embedded Zoom Air pods make a world of difference – even hardcore hoopers may appreciate the cushioning when driving hard to the rim for long sessions. For casual fashion wear, the responsive bounce helps address a key Jordan 1 pain point that has turned some fans away.
Visually, the most striking aspect of the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 is its unconventional split-panel construction. Strategically-placed foam and suede panels attach independently from each other rather than being connected to an underlying base layer.
This segmented assembly – with separated heel collar, eyestays, mudguards, and toe caps – closely resembles Nike‘s Dunk franchise and the original 1984 Air Ship that preceded the Air Jordan 1.
Beyond stylistic callbacks, the split-build opens the door for more flex points and increased comfort straight out the box. An internal neoprene bootie ensures foot lockdown remains secure despite the detached panels surrounding it.
Potential Pros and Cons of the Split Panel Design
| Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| More flexibility leads to increased comfort | Less structural integrity |
| Complements full-length Zoom cushioning feel | Over time foam may deteriorate |
| Distinctive style stands out from normal Jordan 1s | Harder to clean/debris gets trapped |
On the positive side, the split construction allows the Zoom Air cushioning to truly shine in terms of flexibility and transitioning comfort. However, compared to overlays layered on top of a solid leather or suede base, the modular build could face durability issues – especially for hardcore hoopers.
According to a 2021 study by the National University of Science and Technology, polyurethane foam cushioning can decompose over time with repeated compression, humidity, and oxygen exposure. Proper rotation and care is advised to maximize longevity.
Considering its Zoom Air cushioning, padded interior, and distinctive wear-anywhere style, the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 positions itself as a single sneaker that can transition seamlessly from performance to lifestyle environments.
Whether balling on the hardwood, strolling city streets, or kicking back casually, expect these upgraded Jordans to be substantially more comfortable than traditional leather-and-rubber Jordan 1 models.
The mix of suede, synthetic nubuck, and micromesh accents make these suitable for pairing with anything from joggers to jeans or shorts.
From a sneakerhead perspective, I love how Jordan Brand injected innovation into a classic icon without fully abandoning the retro roots. The Zoom CMFT 2 strikes an ideal balance where clear performance benefits meet nostalgic style.
The inclusion of Zoom Air builds upon decades of cushioning advances since Nike‘s iconic Air technology debuted in 1979. Let‘s take a deeper look at the Journey:
Key Milestones in Nike Air Innovation
- 1979: Nike Air Tailwind featuring heel Air units drops, revolutionizing running shoe comfort
- 1987: Air Max 1 premiers full-length visible Air, increased adoption across sports begins
- 1995: Zoom Air pods provide ultra-responsive cushioning for basketball and training
- 2023: Jordan Brand applies Zoom Air to lifestyle icon Air Jordan 1 with CMFT 2
While the original Nike Air bags focused more on impact protection, Zoom Air aimed to perfect instant comfort and energy return specifically for explosive lateral motion.
The pouches stretch and spring back to diffuse impact while propelling players forwards – thus perfectly suiting the start-stop-start needs of sports like hoops.
Now in 2023, Jordan Brand brings this pinnacle Nike technology to a cultural cornerstone – the Jordan 1 – for the first time. Purists may still prefer the rigidness of 85‘ leather models, but early reactions to the Zoom CMFT 2 suggest enhanced comfort can win over most.
Glancing at Jordan Brand‘s 2023 retro release calendar, the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 stands outs as a rare innovator rather than just a fresh colorway. While new takes on classics like the 8, 11, and 13 Low prioritize aesthetics and storytelling, the Zoom CMFT 2 delivers measurable performance.
It will be interesting to see if the solid initial reception inspires Jordan designers to incorporate Zoom Air or React foam into other lifestyle classics. Rumors already swirl of a similar Air Jordan 3 rework that may drop later this year.
Until then, for those desiring modern comfort packed into an iconic Air Jordan 1 build, the Zoom CMFT 2 offers some of the best bang for buck under $225 retail.
Verdict: Classic Style Meets New-Age Comfort
Considering the full-length Zoom Air cushioning, premium materials, and retro-inspired split panel construction, Jordan Brand created a near-perfect balance between performance and heritage styling with the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2.
This masterfully-crafted sneaker gives Air Jordan 1 lovers the comfort we‘ve always dreamed of. For both casual fashion and hardcore basketball use cases, these upgraded 1s fully deliver. Well done, Jumpman!