Released: 1995
The Air Jordan 11 released in 1995 and changed everything. After returning from retirement, Michael Jordan needed a shoe that matched his comeback energy — and Tinker Hatfield delivered a masterpiece. The AJ11 debuted with patent leather on the upper — something never before seen on a basketball shoe. It blended luxury with performance, and MJ called it his favorite model ever.
Jordan debuted the AJ11 “Concord” during the 1995 Playoffs, then wore the “Bred” version en route to the Bulls’ historic 72–10 season and his fourth NBA title. The shoe wasn’t just iconic on court — it was the first to break into formal fashion, famously worn by MJ with a tux at his wedding.
Design Elements
- First basketball shoe to feature patent leather — for performance and style
- Lightweight Cordura mesh upper and carbon fiber spring plate in the sole
- Full-length Air-Sole unit for elite cushioning
- Clear rubber outsole with herringbone traction
- Originally released in Concord, Bred (Playoff), Columbia, and Space Jam colorways
Key Moments
- 1995 NBA Playoffs: MJ returns in the Concord 11s — fans lose their minds
- 1996 NBA season: Bulls go 72–10, MJ wins MVP, All-Star MVP, and Finals MVP in the Bred 11s
- Space Jam: MJ wears a special black/royal version in the 1996 film — becoming a pop culture legend
- Worn with a tux at his wedding — changing the game forever
Cultural Impact
The AJ11 is the grail for many sneakerheads. It bridged sport, fashion, and culture like no shoe had before. Whether it was MJ flying through the playoffs, balling in Space Jam, or rocking them off-court, the 11 made it clear: Jordans weren’t just shoes, they were statements.
Retro releases like the “Concord” (2011 and 2018), “Bred” (2012 and 2019), and “Cool Grey” keep selling out, and collabs like the Jubilee or Adapt 11 show just how futuristic this model was — even decades ahead of its time. For many, the Air Jordan 11 isn’t just a favorite — it’s the GOAT.