The Air Jordan 11 is one of the most legendary sneakers in Jordan Brand history, originally released in 1995 and designed by Tinker Hatfield. It was the first basketball shoe to feature patent leather, creating a sleek and formal look that made it stand out on and off the court. Michael Jordan famously wore the AJ11 during the 1995-96 NBA season, leading the Chicago Bulls to a 72-10 record and an NBA championship.
Key Features:
- Patent Leather Upper: A glossy patent leather mudguard wraps around the shoe, giving it a premium and futuristic look.
- Cordura Mesh or Leather Base: Depending on the colorway, the upper is made of durable ballistic mesh or high-quality leather.
- Carbon Fiber Midfoot Plate: Enhances stability and performance, especially for quick movements.
- Phylon Midsole with Air Cushioning: Provides lightweight comfort and impact protection.
- Translucent or Solid Rubber Outsole: Offers durability and traction, often featuring a herringbone pattern.
- Jumpman Branding: Embroidered Jumpman logos on the ankle or heel.
Notable Colorways & Releases:
- "Concord" (1995, 2011, 2018) – White and black patent leather, one of the most beloved Jordans ever.
- "Bred" (1996, 2001, 2008, 2012, 2019) – Black and red, famously worn during the ‘96 NBA Finals.
- "Space Jam" (1996, 2000, 2009, 2016) – Black and blue, made famous in the movie Space Jam.
- "Columbia/Legend Blue" (1996, 2001, 2014, 2024) – White with icy blue soles, inspired by Jordan’s UNC days.
- "Cool Grey" (2001, 2010, 2021) – Grey and white, a fan-favorite lifestyle colorway.
- "72-10" (2015, 2022) – A premium black and red edition celebrating the Bulls’ historic season.
- "Jubilee" (2020) – A 25th-anniversary special with silver accents.
- "Gratitude" (2023) – A modern take on the DMP (Defining Moments Pack) edition.
Cultural Impact & Legacy:
The Jordan 11 is one of the most collectible and highly anticipated retro releases every holiday season. It’s not just a basketball shoe but a fashion statement, often worn with both streetwear and formal attire.