The irresistible Jordan 11
Step into the Jordan 11 introduced by nicekicksmall daily, the irresistible charm is synonymous with this series（Click the link to view）
Perhaps the most iconic sneaker of Michael Jordan’s storied playing career, the Air Jordan 11 is recognized for its incredibly unique design, use of different materials, and variety of colorways. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 11 was released in 1995, and became not only Michael Jordan’s favorite model but also a widely collected and acclaimed fan-favorite silhouette as well.
The process of designing the Jordan 11 began in late 1993 and for the next couple of years, the sneaker underwent several prototypes that were critiqued by Hatfield, his designing staff, Nike executives, and the star Chicago Bulls player. Constructed to be versatile wear, the basketball silhouette was capable of being played with on-court in athletic clothing, but also able to thrive off-court in elegant settings involving suits and tuxedos. The unique touches in material as seen from the patent leather to the soft neoprene heel, the performance technology embedded within the sneaker, and the distinctive high profile helped garner critical acclaim from many. The first colorway, the “Concord,” was in Jordan’s regular rotation during the 95-96 season. From then on to today, fans have considered the “Concord” and “Playoff/Bred,” as well as the general Air Jordan 11 silhouette, as a must-have for any basketball and sneaker enthusiast.
The Concords were the first pair to touch an NBA floor. The shiny patent leather was noticeable to everyone watching, especially the NBA front office. Once again, as with the Air Jordan I, MJ was suspended five thousand dollars every time he wore the shoes because they didn’t conform with the NBA’s shoe matching rules. After wearing the Concords for a few games, Jordan would switch over to an all black pair, which he would also wear the following summer in the movie Space Jam. All of this attention over a pair of shoes was once again the perfect storm for Nike to cement its place as the industry leader in basketball sneakers.
Jordan would continue wearing the XI during Chicago’s historic 1995-96 season. With the addition of Dennis Rodman from the Spurs, the Bulls had a new look. The team would tear through the regular season finishing with a then-record 72 wins and 10 losses. Jordan led the league in scoring with 30 ppg, was named All-Star MVP, First Team All-Defense, and All NBA. The Bulls entered the playoffs and continued to dominate their competition losing only one game in the first three rounds. While wearing the Black/Red XI, Jordan and the Bulls faced the Seattle Supersonics, eventually winning the series 4-2. Jordan would go on to win Finals MVP while leading the Bulls to their fourth NBA title.
The impact of the AJ11 was felt around not only the NBA, where guys like rookie Kevin Garnett were wearing the shoe but also at the college level. One of the top players in college hoops at the time was Allen Iverson. He spent his college years playing at Georgetown wearing a now-iconic jersey, along with the Concord 11. The shoes would later be seen on album covers, in music videos, and on television shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-AIr. While previous Air Jordan’s had casual appeal amongst his fans, the AJ11 took Nike and Jordan to new heights.
The Air Jordan 11’s immaculate design, cultural heritage, and on-foot feel have catapulted mainstream love for this sneaker. Every year around the holidays, Jordan Brand releases several colorways that fans have the opportunity to purchase. To no surprise, they all sell-out. For as long as sneakers exist, it is an absolute certainty that the 11 will be a treasured model that will never lose its popularity.