Ever since it was first worn by Michael Jordan in 1995, during the season that saw its return to the pitch after its first retirement, the Air Jordan 11 has been characterized by an innovative design, comfort in fit and a touch of unprecedented luxury affirming itself as well as the shoe that well represents elegance and, at the same time, excellence. In a short time it has thus become the model that is the most loved and coveted for many. Now the legendary silhouette is back with retro upgrades. This iconic sneakers are known for an extreme number of basketball players who worn them, film debuts and sky-high prices for vintage pieces. Auction house Sotheby’s sold a pair of this sneakers for 176,400$. The Air Jordan 11 in question were created in honor of his starring role in Space Jam, the 1996 film that saw the NBA champions parade along with the fearless Looney Tunes – and whose sequel has been released in US theaters just recently. That being said, let’s dive in into the Air Jordan 11 frenzy.
SNEAKERS
Air Jordan 11 History
This particular style has a huge significance to Jordan’s basketball career. They were the first sneakers he wore after his retirement from basketball in 1993. The 11’s were of course made by his wishes and needs. One of his biggest wishes for the design team is to make them shine. The challenge was on Tinker Hatfield and Nike design team to make a performance shoe with a luxury shiny feel. And they sure delivered it. At first, Michael got a prototype version which he wore to practice, despite the fact Hatfield specifically told him not to until they announce an official release. In 1995 when Michael came back to Bulls, he sported the never before seen Air Jordan 11’s, which of course made a huge buzz among the players and sneakers fans. From it’s release till today there has been 5 original colourways – Concord, Bred Black, Columbia, Black Red IE Low and Cobalt IE Low; and numerous numbers of retro releases.
Air Jordan 11 Design
After the Air Jordan 10 release and Michael’s retirement, everyone thought that it would be the last collection from the Jordan Brand. Tinker Hatfield did not think like that, he wanted to make a new innovative style even if Michael had no presence on the court. Little did he know, Michael would make a comeback wearing the brand new style on his feet. Hatfield put more thought into technology and comfort of the shoe, using a full-length carbon fiber plate specifically developed for the 11’s making the shoe less flexible and less prone to over-flex the athlethes. The design was also upgraded with full-length Nike Air cushioning. Also, the patent leather on the cleat served well as a form of support thanks to its rigidity. The cloth top was made from extremly durable nylon which was used on camping backpacks, as well as a “speed-lacing” system with the use of nylon webbing loops. When it came to the colourways, Hatfield opted for a classic black and white with a touch of purple. This design made this shoe not only a performance giant, but a luxury item which looks amazingly good on and off the court.
Hurry up and cop your pair on GOAT and Flight Club.
Air Jordan 11 Retro Low ’72-10′ Design
The Air Jordan 11 Retro Loe ’72-10′ shoe brings back a design that was featured on Air Jordan 11 release from 2015, which honors the Chicago Bulls legendary 1996 season where the team had a 72-10 winning score. The low-top features black tubled leather upper and crimson Jumpman logo accents on the tongue and heel. The Phylon midsole in white mixes with a full-length Air-sole cushioning and a translucent midsole.
This iconic design and Michael’s favorite one will drop on 14th of May with a retail price of 190$. If you’re not a fan of the ’72-10′ colourway, there is plenty of 11’s to choose from. Buy other Air Jordan 11 sneakers here.
