The gorgeous Nike Air Jordan 11 “Columbia” may be making an epic comeback later in 2024.
Hoopheads, hoopers and sneaker fans alike still stand in awe of the Air Jordan 11, the famed shoe that Michael Jordan wore – in style, no doubt – to his first All-Star game after his first retirement from the NBA, as well as to the 1995-96 Finals after an unbelievable regular season record of 72-10.
The ’95-’96 Bulls are still widely regarded as the best NBA team in history. If you’ve read our piece, “A Guide To Every Air Jordan Sneaker Release” – and if you haven’t, you should – you’ll know that we gushed over the Air Jordan 11, calling it “a masterpiece of innovation” and ” a sneaker that oozed elegance and sophistication while still delivering top-notch on-court performance”.
Who can get over that patent leather upper and that iconic translucent rubber outsole? Over the years, as expected, various colourways have been introduced, each celebrating the uniqueness of the 11. As with all things Jordan, some were received more eagerly by ‘the faithful’ than others.
In 2024, according to reliable sources in the sneaker game, we will see the release of the “Columbia”, a shoe that is likely to stay more faithful to the original than 2014’s “Legend Blue Retro”. While the “Legend Blue” received mixed reviews, it was most applauded for its solid connection to the University of North Carolina, MJ’s alma mater, with the use of blue on the midsole and outsole. 2021’s Air Jordan 11 Cool Gray was a much-loved colourway, but even with this one, some fans were still looking for the clean, simple look of the OG.
With the anticipated release of the 2024 “Columbia” (whose name, by the way, isn’t 100% confirmed), the overwhelming feeling is that we will see something that’s predominantly white and minimalist while still paying homage to Jordan’s UNC roots with the Jumpman stitching and the outsole.
Details are still sketchy, but according to sources, official images of the “Columbia” should be out in the summer (US) of 2024, with an expected official release of a full lineup in December. If everything that’s been teased and rumoured about this sneaker proves true, does this mean that we’ll also see a re-release of the Air Jordan 11 Gamma at some point?
Word on the street is that die-hard sneak-heads have been campaigning for this, so only time will tell whether they get their wish. Until then, we’ll patiently wait for any official announcement about the “Columbia”. Fingers crossed!
Update: Since initial hype for the Air Jordan 11 “Columbia” (otherwise known as the “Legend Blue”) has continued, The sneakers have a tentatively set release date for December 14th, 2024, and are expected to sell for $230 in its biggest size. Full family sizes are expected for these gorgeous sneakers so that everyone can match for the 2024 December holidays.
Are you excited about the Air Jordan 11 “Columbia” sneakers coming in 2024?
