The first time the Air Jordan 11 DMP (a.k.a. Defining Moments Pack) graced the sneaker market was way back in 2006, and for technically a non-OG colorway, it is arguably one of the best Jordan releases ever. 17 years later, the sneaker has returned with a new āGratitudeā moniker and a few updates to the original colorway. But what makes this colorway stand out the most from other Jordan 11 retros that have come before and after its release? Hereās everything you need to know about this year’s retro.
In 2006, Jordan Brand first released the Air Jordan 11 DMP alongside a pair of Jordan 6s boasting a similar color scheme. This same year, Jordan Brand dropped retro gems like the Jordan 5 Grape, Jordan 4 Military Blue, and Jordan 14 Candy Cane. But nothing stood out quite like the DMPs, mainly because it was the first time Jordan Brand released packs to the public.Ā
Jordan Packs were time stamps celebrating some of Jordanās most memorable moments within his career, all through the sneakers that accompanied him along the way. This DMP pack was the first of its kind and commemorated Michael Jordanās first and fourth championships he won while wearing the Jordan 6 and Jordan 11. The sneakers were decked out with a regal touch, remixing the Jordan 6 Varsity Red and Jordan 11 Concord colorways with hits of gold throughout. Although Jordan 11s have been retroed before, it was the first time the Jordan 11 Concord, an already highly decorated colorway, was given such an elevated update.
This year marks the sneaker’s retro return, giving people another chance to add this pair to their rotation. The Air Jordan 11 DMP Gratitude adds some new elements to the 2006 colorway. The original cotton panels are replaced with full-grain leather for a more luxe feel. Black patent leather mudguards are raised higher on the upper than its predecessor as a nod to the Jordan 11 Concordās OG design. But some things remained the same, such as the gold emboldened Jumpman and ā23ā on the heel, black carbon fiber plating on the sole, and translucent cream color on the outsole.Ā
The Air Jordan 11 DMP Gratitude is set to return in a full-family size run on December 11, 2023, and retail for $230.