Jordan 11 season is officially upon us. The holiday season for most sneakerheads brings either a new colorway to the Jordan 11 family or a coveted retro from the silhouette’s early days. This year, Jordan Brand delivers a new look of 2006’s legendary Jordan 11 DMP, having sneakerheads both new and old eager to get their hands on a pair. But this year’s retro isn’t the only Jordan 11 worthy of gifting or receiving for the holiday season. From past and present, here are the best Jordan 11s you need for the holiday season.
Jordan 11 DMP Gratitude (2023)
This year’s Jordan 11 DMP retro is actually 17 years in the making. The colorway debuted in 2006 and was a part of the original pack to introduce the world to Jordan Packs, a collection of sneakers that acted as timestamps for some of Michael Jordan’s most legendary feats. Despite a few updates from the original, such as new leather upper and raised patent leather vamping, the Jordan 11 DMP gives the same feel to its predecessor. No need to even wait for their actual release date, as multiple sizes are selling for around retail and can be delivered in three days or less with Xpress Ship.
Jordan 11 Concord (2018)
The Jordan 11 Concord can easily be associated with a lot of Jordan 11 hype around this time of year. Back when the colorway retroed in 2011, the release caused a slew of crowded lines, fights, and just all-out craziness. Seven years after that retro, a lot changed with the way releases occur, and it was a lot easier to get a pair of Concords in 2018 than ever before. The Air Jordan 11 Concord returned in an almost 1-of-1 remake to its 1996 OG from shape to design. It’s basically a certified classic at this point and will make the perfect gift for anyone even faintly familiar with Michael Jordan or sneakers.
Jordan 11 Cool Grey (2021)
When it comes to Jordan 11s, the Cool Grey colorway is like the anomaly from the other OGs introduced in 1996. Outside of its other releases, this pair features a nubuck upper compared to the usual leather as seen on the Columbia, Space Jam, Bred, and Concord. It’s this difference that makes this colorway standout from the others and almost adds a luxe feel to the basketball classic. The Cool Grey’s somewhat understated nature makes it the right gift for those looking for a subtle steez in a sneaker.
Women’s Jordan 11 Neapolitan
This year, the Jordan 11 also got a sweet treat upgrade. The women’s exclusive Air Jordan 11 Neopalitan takes the favorite ice cream dessert and puts it on the patent leather legend. Brown patent leather, cream leather upper, and a pink outsole represent the three layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry found in Neapolitan ice cream.
Jordan 11 Low Legend Blue
Another classic Jordan 11 colorway is the Columbia (a.k.a. Legend Blue), which debuted at the 1996 All-Star Game. This particular Jordan 11 colorway hasn’t been retroed as much as the Concord or the Bred, making it’s return in a 2021 as a Low a major drop. The sneaker is minimal in its color but dynamic in its legacy, featuring a majority white patent leather and leather upper with hits of Legend Blue on the Jumpman and outsole, similar to its OG.
Jordan 11 Low Bred
When you think of Jordans, the first two colors to pop in most people’s heads are black and red. No Jordan showcases this better than the Jordan 11 Bred. It’s a classic that can’t be overlooked, even in Low form. Similar to its previous retros, the Jordan 11 Bred Low features a black patent leather and leather upper and a red Jumpman and outsole, bringing in those familiar elements. This 2015 drop is a solid iteration of the classic colorway for those that prefer a low-cut silhouette.
