Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 11 is back, but this time it’s stepping into a fresh ‘Rare Air’ colorway that’s stirring up chatter well ahead of its October 1 release.
As many fans will attest, the 11 isn’t just another sneaker. It’s a legend that helped define MJ’s comeback in 1995 after his 18-month break from basketball. It was the first Air Jordan to rock patent leather, instantly setting it apart from every other pair in the lineup. This year, as Jordan Brand marks a milestone (40 years since its launch with the Air Jordan 1), they’re bringing back classics and tossing out some fresh takes, with the ‘Rare Air’ Air Jordan 11 being one of their most important releases.
If you’ve followed the Rare Air series, you’ll know it’s a throwback to quirky, sometimes flawed production samples that made sneakers feel more like collector’s oddities than mass-produced kicks. We’ve already gotten the Rare Air Jordan 1, 3, and 4, now it’s the Air Jordan 11’s turn.
The new Air Jordan 11 Retro Rare Air pairs a white tumble leather upper with a royal blue patent leather mudguard, adding a bright pop of red on the branding and outsole. The shoelaces and translucent sole come in a yellow-tinged muslin color, which might feel like a wild choice but ties back to the Rare Air vibe of “happy accidents” in production.
The shoe’s standout feature, however, is the “Jordan” lettering on the eyelets, a detail that almost made it into the 2006 Defining Moments Pack but was cut at the last minute. A few of those scrapped pairs leaked out and became instant collectibles. The lettering itself first appeared on a never-released 2000 Air Jordan 11 sample, so this release is kinda special.
Sneakerheads on X have mixed feelings, of course. Some say, “Ohhhhhhh these slap,” while others are ready to wait for a discount, commenting, “I like them if they sit and go on sale I’m going for ‘em lol.” Critics aren’t shy either, calling out the black back tab and off-white laces as “throwing it off,” and even comparing the colorway to something found on Canal Street a decade ago. The yellowed soles sparked comments like, “Why are the bottoms yellow already?” While some just flat-out said, “These give bootlegs. Hate hate hate these.”
The October release isn’t standing alone. Alongside the Rare Air colorway, Jordan Brand is rolling out a women’s-exclusive “Grand Finale” and bringing back the Gamma Blue style, giving sneaker fans plenty to dig into this holiday season.
Retail price lands at $235, with the style code IH0296-400, available via Nike’s SNKRS app and select Jordan Brand retailers.
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