The Space Jam Colorway Returns to the Air Jordan 11
The AJ 11 is arguably one of the most popular and beloved Air Jordan styles of all time. This hugely successful Tinker Hatfield-designed model represents Michael Jordan's return to the NBA in 1996 and was worn by MJ during the record-breaking 72-10 season when the Chicago Bulls won their fourth NBA title. It's also notable for being the first Air Jordan to feature Cordura nylon, a carbon fiber plate and foot-conforming patent leather.
The on-court debut of the Air Jordan XI Concord set off a frenzy of anticipation until the sneaker hit retailers later that year. Other colorways and silhouettes soon followed.
In 2000, Air Jordan 11 Retro releases kicked off—and the collection is still going strong with new iterations introduced almost every year. The Air Jordan 11 lineup—OG or Retro, mid or low, "Concord," "Bred" or "Space Jam"—is sought after by sneakerheads everywhere.
History of the Air Jordan XI
In 1995, Michael Jordan announced his departure from baseball and return to the NBA with two simple words: "I'm back." Reunited with the Chicago Bulls midseason, MJ stepped onto the court during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals wearing a distinct pair of new Air Jordan Xs. In contrast to his teammates' black shoes, Jordan's sneakers (prototypes emblazoned with 45 to match his new jersey number) were predominantly white. The shiny patent leather with a show-stopping Concord Purple overlay violated uniform rules, and he was fined $5,000. That created a cultural moment and set the stage for the launch of the Air Jordan 11 Concord, which landed in stores that November and featured MJ's reinstated number 23.
1996 saw the release of four more Air Jordan 11 variations:
In 2000, the Jordan Brand launched the Air Jordan 11 Retro series, starting with the Air Jordan 11 Retro Concord edition in honor of the style's first colorway. The Air Jordan 11 Retro Space Jam quickly followed.
Jordan 11 Retro styles have seen incredible success. In 2008, the tradition of an Air Jordan 11 Holiday release began and continues to this day.
- The Blue/White Air Jordan 11 Columbia that Jordan wore during the 1996 All-Star Game.
- The Black/Red ("Bred") Air Jordan 11 that MJ sported during the 1996 NBA Finals when the Chicago Bulls clinched their fourth championship.
- The Grey/Cobalt and Black/Red colorways of the Air Jordan XI Low IE, a low-cut style that traded the signature patent leather mudguard for a lightweight, breathable mesh.
- The Black Jordan 11s that MJ wore in the animated movie, Space Jam. One of the most famous colorways of 1996, it wasn't even available for sale.
Jordan 11 Retro Space Jam 2009
The Space Jam colorway returned to the Air Jordan 11 silhouette in 2009 after it sold out instantly during its original 2000 release. This mostly black sneaker features a high-top design with a thick glossy black mudguard wrapping from the heel to the toe and stretching across the side panels. A black mesh fabric coats the top portion of this upper, and a Varsity Royal Jordan brand Jumpman emblem sits on the sneaker's lateral heel. A white midsole underlines this release, which sits on top of a translucent outsole. Two varsity royal tread blocks stamp the tread's heel and toe.
