On May 7th, 1995, Michael Jordan introduced to the world a sample of the Air Jordan 11 Concord during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Orlando Magic. Wearing the number 45 instead of his iconic 23 jersey, the move reflected MJ’s spontaneous state of mind at the time, having just returned to the league after a year in the MLB. Despite the Chicago Bulls losing the game, the highlight for many was the new sneakers on Jordan’s feet.
Michael Jordan and his Air Jordan 11 “Concord” during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conferences semi-final, against the Orlando Magic, 7th May 1995 (via Sneakernews.com)
Following MJ’s early retirement announcement, Tinker Hatfield was convinced that the brand was strong enough to continue developing and selling the GOAT’s sneakers despite his absence from the floor. So he decides to design the most innovative model of his career (at the time), without knowing that MJ would soon announce his dramatic comeback to basketball in 1995 with his mythical press release, “I’m back.”
Image via Nike
The first surprise of the process: a lawnmower inspired Hatfield for the shape of the AJ11. In terms of performance, this was the first pair with a carbon fiber plate along the entire length of the sole for greater speed and dynamism. Ankle and foot support was ensured by the upper part of the upper in resistant nylon, inspired by camping bags, while a new thicker tongue was used for the first time.
Then comes the model’s most obvious innovation, the famous patent leather, which reinforced the shoe and made MJ shine in both the literal and figurative senses of the word. This symbolic element was born out of an earlier request from His Airness to Hatfield to create a flashier, more classy model. Hatfield later thought of MJ’s sports cars’ shiny bodywork and used this as the inspiration to create this legendary leather patent.
The icy sole was another novelty. Its inclusion helped draw the eye to the Air technology, the carbon plate, and the Jumpman logo, which was also present on the collar, with the number 45 for the OG version and 23 for most retroes.
Image via solecollector.com
During Game 2 of the series against Orlando, Jordan again wore an AJ11 sample, but this time his jersey was number 23 instead of 45, and he was the only player in Chicago to wear mostly white sneakers, which cost him fines and an obligation to rock the Space Jam version for Games 4, 5 and 6. The following year, the Bulls had a record (at the time) of 72 wins and 10 losses, thanks in particular to MJ and his 11 Concord. He was named MVP of the 1996 NBA All-Star Game wearing the Columbia edition and ended the season with a fourth NBA ring, a new MVP title in the finals, and the famous Bred colorway on his feet.
CHICAGO – JUNE 16: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates winning the1996 NBA Championship after defeating the Seattle SupperSonics in Game Six of the NBA Finals on June 16, 1996, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Off the courts, pop culture was taking over the AJ11 phenomenon. On February 28, 1996, Boyz II Men pulled off the Concord with their tuxedoes for a memorable performance at the 38th Grammy Awards. A few months later, American television viewers tuned in for the last episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, with Will Smith left standing alone in the Banks’ family living room wearing the AJ11 Columbia.
THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR — “I Done: Part 1 & 2” Episode 23 & 24 — Pictured: Will Smith as William “Will” Smith — Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank
As soon as it was officially released in November 1996, the AJ11 became a must-have. Since then, its timeless grail status has been highlighted with every drop, from OG colors to premium editions like Pinnacle Grey Suede, to general releases like Gamma Blue and Low and Low IE.
Today, 25 years after the AJ11 first appeared on the floor of the United Center, Jordan Brand celebrates the occasion with the Jubilee version. The model was inspired by sketches made at the time by Tinker Hatfield. It features black patent leather uppers and vamp, a white sole, and quality metallic details such as the Jumpman on the collar, 23 on the heel, and Jordan’s inscription on the eyelets. Unlike other editions, the number 25 is embroidered on the insole. And it’s not over yet, as the brand is also releasing the Air Jordan 11 Adapt with Nike Adapt automatic lacing technology.
If I had to describe AJ11 in one word, I would choose “heritage.” In my opinion, it is this notion that pushed Tinker Hatfield to design this model. The desire, or even the need, to perpetuate MJ’s heritage, its phenomenal performance, and its iconic status. In terms of color, I prefer the Concord, which I think is synonymous with purity. My favorite memory of the AJ11 dates back to 1997 when I saw Space Jam at a cinema in France. I was too young to know the AJ11 (and the other pairs) featured in the movie, but its final dunk left a mark on me, and thanks to this movie, I got into basketball, NBA, sneakers, and everything that goes with it.
Image via SneakerNews.com
