The Air Jordan XI ‘Concord’ lands February 15th
His Airness
Michael Jordan returned to the NBA midway through the 1994-95 season after a one and a half year retirement from the game he loved. During the 1995 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, Michael Jordan introduced the world to his latest shoe, the Air Jordan XI ‘Concord’. This was a truly unique sneaker with a white, ballistic mesh upper and a shiny, elegant black patent leather wrap. The shoe also had his new number, 45, on the back (temporarily at least). Ironically, MJ laced them up and went out to play one of the worst playoff games of his career. The next night the world saw Jordan switch back to his familiar and iconic No. 23.
See Also: Nike Air Max 1 G: Bringing the High Heat
“It’s Gotta Be the Shoes”–Mars Blackmon
It was the following season, however, that made the Air Jordan XI Concords one of the most legendary and popular Jordan shoes of all time. The Holy Grail of J’s, if you will. Michael wore these throughout the season (with 23 on the back this time) and went on to win a then-record 72 regular season games, captured his fourth NBA championship, was voted the NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP, All-Star MVP, and led the league in scoring for the eighth time in his career. In addition, in 1996 Michael Jordan made his first full-length feature film, Space Jam co-starring Bugs Bunny. In this movie, MJ with the help of his Looney Tune teammates, defeated the rival Monstars while he wore the Air Jordan XI Concords!
See Also: Rory McIlroy, Jason Day Debut New Nike Shoes
Ready For Liftoff
On February 15 at 10:00 a.m. EST, almost 24 years after the world saw Michael Jordan lace up the AJ XI for the first time, Nike Golf is bringing the iconic court style to the course. The brand is releasing limited quantities of the Air Jordan XI that will retail for $220 and undoubtedly sell out in minutes.
If you are lucky enough to get a pair, you will receive a Jumpman design made of patent leather, inspired by the original AJ XI. The golf version offers the React Vapor 2 hybrid outsole which combines removable spikes and Integrated Traction to deliver robust grip in a variety of conditions. The soft React foam midsole will deliver comfort and soften every step you take on the golf course. The shoes will also offer a two-year waterproof guarantee. My favorite feature of the shoe? The inclusion of a very subtle “23” on the back. Great detail!
I found the shoe to fit true to size, albeit a bit more narrow in the toe box compared the Air Jordan Trainer ST Golf shoes that were released last year.
Good luck on Friday!
These are different but if I had to guess, they must go a lot better with shorts than pants. Nothing like khaki pant with a gym shoe look.