Image via Nike
For the first time since 2012, the "Bred" Air Jordan XI is returning. This retro edition stays true to the original version that released with "23" printed on the heel and a higher patent leather cut to better resemble the shoes worn by Michael Jordan during the mid-'90s.
While much has been said about the "Bred" colorway's history during the lead up to this release, there are some facts about the Air Jordan XI itself that may not be quite as evident to newcomers. Brush up on your knowledge here and pick up the "Bred" Jordan XI at select retailers this Saturday, Dec. 14 for $220.
It Almost Didn't Happen
Due to Michael Jordan's first retirement from the NBA in 1993, Nike had plans to discontinue his signature line after the Air Jordan X. However, while everyone else at Nike assumed the line was over, Tinker Hatfield was hard at work behind the scenes crafting the Air Jordan XI in hopes that MJ would someday make a return to the court—a gamble that paid off handsomely for the designer.
Tinker Wanted a Tough Sneaker
The phrase "built like a tank" gets thrown around a lot with sneakers, but the Jordan XI really pushed the durability envelope. While its shiny patent leather and nylon may look good, the shoe was built to be rugged with an emphasis on withstanding the game-to-game wear and tear from MJ's high level of play. Hatfield experimented with materials like patent leather and Cordura nylon while adding a rigid carbon fiber shank for additional support.
Ahmad Rashad Helped Debut Them
While the Air Jordan XI's on-court legacy was established by MJ himself, one of the first detailed glimpses at the sneakers came courtesy of then-sideline reporter Ahmad Rashad. While highlighting MJ's new black XIs (which would later become known as the "Space Jam" colorway), Rashad joked that he was taking home His Airness' old shoes: the "Concord" Jordan XI.
MJ Was Fined For Wearing the Them
Like the equally revered black/red Air Jordan I, the "Concord" Air Jordan 11 was not without controversy. Due to the shoe's black and white color blocking and lack of Chicago Bulls red, Jordan was fined for wearing the sneakers during the first two games of the second round of the 1995 NBA Playoffs.
Jordan Borrowed Penny's Sneakers to Avoid a Fine
After getting hit with fines after Game 1 and 2 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, MJ had apparently had enough and decided to borrow a pair of Air Flight Ones from Orlando's Penny Hardaway for Game 3. To add his own touch, MJ cut off Penny's personalized "1" heel tab, but he had something even better in store for Game 4, where he debuted what would go on to be known as the "Space Jam" Air Jordan XI colorway.
The Lows Switched Things Up
Earlier in the line, low-top versions of Air Jordans had simply used lower cuts than their mid-top predecessors. But with the Jordan XI Low IE, Jordan Brand essentially created a whole new sneaker. Gone was the XI's signature patent and nylon in favor of elephant print and mesh—a design change which proved to be polarizing among fans.
MJ Wore Them During the Bulls' Historic 72-10 Season
The Air Jordan XI made its on-court debut during the 1995 NBA Playoffs, but it wasn't until the next season that the shoe's legacy really began to unfold. MJ donned the sneakers throughout the entire '95-96 campaign, leading the Bulls to a historic 72-10 regular season record, which Jordan Brand commemorated in 2015 with the colorway pictured above. He also rocked them throughout the 1996 Playoffs, where Chicago would ultimately capture its first ring since Jordan's return to the hardwood.
The First Retro Run Was a Game Changer
From 2000 to 2001, Jordan Brand began rolling out the first-ever Air Jordan XI Retros. Beginning with the "Concord" colorway, the model's initial retro run included the much-anticipated retail debut of the "Space Jam" colorway, along with the first appearance of the fan-favorite "Cool Grey" style (pictured above). Also of note was the introduction of patent leather and snakeskin-adorned Jordan XI Lows, which included a Niketown-exclusive "Zen Grey" make up.
They Were Part of Jordan Brand's First Pack
Multi-sneaker packs have become commonplace today, but in 2006, it was pretty much unheard of. In what is still arguably one of the best packages offered by the brand, 2006's "Defining Moments Pack" combined gold-tinged colorways of the Air Jordan IV and Air Jordan XI as a nod to the shoes MJ wore during the first championship wins of he and the Bulls' two three-peats in in 1991 and 1996, respectively.
Air Jordan XIs Became a Staple of Holiday Wish Lists
After dropping the "Bred" Air Jordan XI as part of a Countdown Pack alongside the "Taxi" Jordan XII during December 2008, holiday Air Jordan XI releases became a standard for the brand. Since 2009's "Space Jam" Retro, Jordan XIs have become the definitive holiday sneaker, and it's all about to go down again on Saturday with the return of the "Bred."