Jordan Retro 11 Collection

Jordan Retro 11

Arguably the most coveted sneaker of all time, the Air Jordan 11 has many allures: A clean-cut design, patent leather mudguard, and translucent outsole. But the key to the Retro 11’s mythical spot in sneaker culture is its symbolic relationship to Michael Jordan’s basketball career.

Following the death of his father in 1993, Jordan decided that he was done with basketball and went to pursue a career in minor league baseball. But after a year in baseball, Jordan was itching to get back on the court. To notify the world that the MJ Era was returning, Jordan sent out a two-word press release: “I’m back.”

While Jordan was off playing baseball, Nike hadn’t known that he was planning a return to basketball. Luckily, the legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield had faith that Michael would come back to the game; without Nike’s knowledge, Hatfield had designed the Air Jordan 11 with no promise of Jordan’s return.

Jordan’s Back

When Jordan announced he was coming back to the hardwood, Nike and Hatfield still hadn’t finished testing the Air Jordan 11. But seeing the design, Jordan went against everyone’s advice and wore the shoe on the court anyway.

Equipped with a patent leather upper to contain Jordan’s foot during lateral movements, a lightweight ballistic mesh, and a carbon fiber spring plate, the Retro 11 was ready for greatness. The only question was whether Jordan would be ready after a year out of the league.

Jordan quickly quelled the doubts. Returning to Chicago, he found a shadow of the championship team of two years back. But things were about to change. Despite having not played basketball in a year, Jordan came back in the Retro 11 Concord for a 13-4 finish to the season and a 55-point game in Madison Square Garden.

The next year, Jordan and his black/red Retro 11s went on to win a championship, and he was voted the regular season All-Star, and finals MVP. MJ was back on top. A black/royal Retro 11 ‘Space Jam’ colorway was later worn by Jordan in the movie as he battled aliens in an intergalactic basketball game, launching the sneaker to pop culture fame. The shoes became bigger than basketball, and everyone wanted a piece of the legacy.

When is the next Jordan Retro 11 release date?

Due to their extreme popularity, the Retro 11 has created a demand that can’t be satiated. Each launch draws huge crowds eager to get their hands on the iconic shoe. The Retro 11 typically releases a few weeks before the holidays and sells out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the Jordan history – shop Jordan Retro 11 apparel and stay tuned for the next opportunity to cop the 11.