As Nike’s Air Jordan line continues to expand year by year, it’s important to remember some of the original retro classics that helped elevate the brand to where it is today. Highly regarded by many sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans, the Air Jordan 11, originally released in 1995 (the year Michael Jordan decided to quit baseball), is one of the most iconic sneakers of all time. With its sleek design and innovative technology, it’s no wonder that sneakerheads across the globe continue to queue in long lines in order to get their hands on the classic retro kicks. In this article, we will rank the best Air Jordan 11 colourways of all time.
What Makes The Jordan XI Special
Story: “I’m back!” Air Jordan 11 has become a staple for Michael Jordan’s legacy and global impact, especially when it comes to footwear. In 1995, shortly after his return from his 18-month hiatus from basketball, these iconic shoes burst onto the market. After having almost solely created the rapidly growing sneaker market with Nike and his eponymous Jordan brand, his return meant that people had something tangible they could call their own – the Air Jordan XI.
Design: The Air Jordan 11 features an incredibly sleek and stylish design that stands out from other Jays. It was the first sneaker in the Jordan line to feature patent leather, which gives it a distinctive look and feel.
Performance: Designed to provide superior performance on the basketball court, the sneaker features a lightweight design, responsive cushioning, and excellent traction.
History: The Air Jordan XI was worn by Michael Jordan during the 1995-1996 NBA season when he led the Chicago Bulls to their fourth championship. This historic moment solidified the iconic sneaker’s place in basketball and sneaker culture forever.
Limited releases: Jordan Brand has released several limited-edition versions of the Air Jordan 11, which have made them even more sought after by collectors and fans. They’re really not easy to come by.
Now, let’s look at the best Jordan 11 colourways of all time.
1. Air Jordan 11 “Concord”
The “Concord” is widely regarded as one of the best sneakers ever made, let alone one of the best Air Jordan 11 colourways. The clean white upper is complemented by black patent leather and an icy blue outsole. It’s a timeless look that has aged like fine wine.
2. Air Jordan 11 “Bred”
The “Bred” is another classic colourway that stands the test of time. The black and red combination is simple yet striking, and the patent leather adds a touch of sophistication. It’s a shoe that can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile addition to any collection.
3. Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam”
The XI “Space Jam” is perhaps the most famous colourway of the silhouette, thanks in part to its appearance in the 1996 movie of the same name. The black upper is accented by white patent leather and a translucent blue outsole, giving it a futuristic look that still holds up today.
4. Air Jordan 11 “Cool Grey”
The XI “Cool Grey” is a more recent colourway, having been released in 2010. The shoe features a cool grey upper with a patent leather finish, as well as a translucent outsole. It’s a more understated look compared to some of the other colourways on this list, but it’s still a standout sneaker in its own right.
5. Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue”
The XI “Legend Blue” is a nod to the original “Columbia” colourway that was released in 1996. The shoe features a white upper with patent leather and light blue accents. It’s a refreshing take on the silhouette that manages to feel both classic and modern at the same time.
6. XI “Gamma Blue”
The XI “Gamma Blue” is a bold colourway that features a black upper with gamma blue accents. The patent leather has a subtle iridescent quality to it, giving the shoe a unique look in different lighting conditions. It’s a colourway that definitely stands out from the pack.
7. Air Jordan 11 “Win Like 96”
The XI “Win Like 96” was released in 2017 as a nod to Michael Jordan’s championship-winning Chicago Bulls team from the 1995-96 season. The shoe features a bright red upper with black accents and an icy outsole. It’s a bold colourway that pays tribute to one of MJ’s most dominant seasons.
8. Air Jordan 11 “72-10”
The XI “72-10” was released in 2015 to commemorate the Chicago Bulls’ record-setting 72-win season in 1995-96. The shoe features a black upper with patent leather and red accents, as well as a translucent outsole. It’s a sleek colourway that pays homage to one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
Tell us, which colourways are we missing from our list of best Jordan 11 sneakers list? See the upcoming Air Jordan 11 sneakers releasing in 2025.
