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The Air Jordan XI “Concord” is slated for its fourth retro this weekend. One of the most popular silhouettes from the Jordan line, the sneaker features a patent leather rand that wraps the foot and takes design cues from men’s formal dress shoes. Drawing from both the world of high-level performance and fashion, the Air Jordan XI was one of the first models to blend the two different aesthetics.
With its sharp white upper and black patent leather toe box, the XI even became a statement piece to pair with more formal sartorial choices. From high school proms, to weddings, to the red carpet, the sporty-yet-classy look has become synonymous with the shoe in the 20-plus years since its introduction.
For its upcoming re-release, we asked prominent men’s stylists what they think of the aesthetic, and to review the outfit choices of those who’ve taken the XI outside of the gym. John Tan, who’s styled the likes of Ansel Elgort, chimed in with his take on the suits-and-sneakers look.
“I think it can work depending on the individual and how it is paired. I love the idea of a classic suiting look, and then add some individuality with an interesting pair of sneakers that stands out,” Tan said. “Most guys want to be stylish but comfortable, so the right pair of sneakers can be a cool alternative to a pair of dress shoes—depending on the event or occasion.”
To go more in-depth, we asked style expert and author, George Brescia, as well as Los Angeles based stylist and managing editor of Detour Magazine, Jeanne Yang, to comment on a few specific instances of the look. Check out their takes below on these celebs, suits, and sneakers.
Whether you’re looking to pick up the retro colorway for shooting hoops in the gym or for walking the red carpet, the sneaker drops this weekend, Dec. 8 for a retail price of $220 on the Nike SNKRS app and at select retail locations.
Dez Bryant
George Brescia: “I think it works great. Obviously, with the black and white color palette of what he’s wearing I think it kind of pulls it together. He’s dressed, but he’s got such a high and low. He’s in formal wear but it's not over the top, so the sneaker gives it a cool vibe.”
Jeanne Yang: “The white of the 'Concord' perfectly suits the white shirt and vest look in this outfit. His pave diamond chain coordinates with his bracelet and the shoes to accent the sneaker. This look is an '11.'
Jason Sudeikis
George Brescia: “If he was going to do it, he should have worn something a little bit more modern on top. Maybe he should have done a tuxedo with a black turtleneck or a black shirt and a black tie with the sneakers. Because he's dressed so formal and so traditional and then to do the sneaker, I just think it's like a little jarring.”
Jeanne Yang: “Rocking the XI at the Globes was a smart idea as it is the ultimate punctuation mark on your menswear look.”
Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul
George Brescia: “To me, the sneaker works with their outfits color wise, and it gives a modern feel to the outfits. It’s certainly a trend that is happening.”
Jeanne Yang: [On D-Wade] “His country club take on the sneaker suit look is flames mainly due to the impeccable tailoring. The pants hang perfectly and cup the shoe to compliment the 'Concord' like an award on its platform. The lavender bow tie and matching pants play beautifully with the grey tread of the sneaker bottom.”
[On CP] “A slick, sexy and modern take on the black-tie look. I always enjoy seeing the way Chris plays with red carpet outings. His polka dot pocket square brings an excellent example of 'Sporteria' (sport/sartoria). The new 'Sport Sartoria' is replacing athleisure and street as the fashion movement. These men are the leaders of this new wave.”