AIR JORDAN 11: A BRIEF HISTORY
During the 1995-1996 NBA season, Michael Jordan took charge of his career and collaboration with the Swoosh brand. Tinker Hatfield created a legendary silhouette that revolutionized the design of Air Jordan and sneakers in general. The innovative patent leather and translucent icy outsole were groundbreaking at the time. Hatfield drew inspiration from a convertible and a lawnmower to design the Air Jordan 11, which also featured a carbon fiber component for added strength and lightness.
After his 1995 return, Michael Jordan needed to regain his form. With the AJ11, he achieved just that, securing 72 wins, the MVP title, and leading scorer status. On June 16, 1996, the Bulls won their fourth NBA championship against the Seattle Supersonics. That day, which was also Father's Day, Jordan broke down in tears in the locker room, missing his late father.
NIKE'S VARIOUS JORDAN 11 VERSIONS
JORDAN 11 RETRO
Like the Air Jordan 1, the Jordan 11 has been reissued several times in its original 1995 colors. Michael Jordan first wore the Air Jordan 11 Concord on May 7, 1995, against Shaquille O'Neal's Orlando Magic. After the release of Space Jam in February 1997, the AJ11 gained popularity, becoming a cult favorite among sneaker enthusiasts. A more compact version, the Air Jordan 1 Mid, also gained success among women.
JORDAN 11 LOW
Over time, Jordan Brand has moved towards offering more lifestyle products, diversifying its range with models like the Air Jordan 3. The brand reworked its original models into low versions, starting with the Air Jordan 6 Low. The Air Jordan 11 Low was introduced to the public in 2015 to celebrate the silhouette's 20th anniversary. The original Bred color paid tribute to Michael Jordan's legendary 1995-1996 season with Nike. The IE version featured a mesh and grained leather upper, differing from the traditional patent leather and offering a more comfortable, lifestyle-focused design than retro models.