My Top 5 Air Jordan 11s of All Time (And Why I’m Still Obsessed)

I still remember the first time I saw a pair of Jordan 11s in the flesh. It was 1996, and my older cousin walked into our family Christmas dinner wearing the Concords like he owned the room. I was just a sneaker-obsessed teenager then, but that moment cemented my lifelong love affair with what I consider the greatest basketball shoe ever designed.

Fast forward to today—my wife jokes that I should probably seek therapy for my Jordan 11 obsession. Maybe she’s right, but until then, I’ll channel my fixation into this list of what I consider the five greatest Jordan 11 colorways ever released. Trust me, after collecting these beauties for over two decades, I’ve had plenty of time to develop some strong opinions.

1. The Concord – Royalty Among Sneakers

There’s simply no debate here. The black and white Concord 11s aren’t just the greatest Jordan 11—they might be the greatest sneaker ever made. When MJ returned to basketball in 1995 wearing these, it was like watching sneaker history unfold in real time.

I waited 14 hours outside a Foot Locker for the 2011 retro release, and I wasn’t even mad when I got trampled a little in the process. The patent leather shine, that icy blue sole, and the perfect contrast between the white mesh and black accents—they’re absolutely perfect. I’ve worn mine to two job interviews, a friend’s wedding (my buddy was a fellow sneakerhead), and countless first dates. The Concord isn’t just a sneaker; it’s a confidence booster with laces.

2. The Bred – Championship DNA

Sometimes called the “Playoffs,” the black and red Jordan 11 represents everything great about the Jordan legacy. These were on MJ’s feet when he clinched his 4th championship, and something about that history makes you stand a little taller when wearing them.

I nabbed my first pair of Bred 11s during the 2012 retro release, and I swear they still smell brand new when I crack open the box. There’s something about that red jumpman against the black patent leather that just screams basketball royalty. When I wear these to pickup games at my local Y, I definitely play with more swagger—even if my knees don’t cooperate like they used to.

3. Space Jam – Hollywood’s Favorite Sneaker

Look, I’m gonna come clean here—I watch Space Jam at least once a year. Juvenile? Perhaps. Necessary for my mental health? Absolutely.

The Space Jam 11s were what MJ wore while hooping with Bugs Bunny, and that cultural impact can’t be overstated. The midnight black upper with that deep blue-tinted sole is just straight-up gorgeous. I remember wearing mine to a movie theater for the 20th anniversary screening of Space Jam, and some kid about 8 years old pointed at my feet and whispered to his dad, “Those are the ones!” That kid gets it.

4. Cool Grey – The Modern Classic

The Cool Grey 11s prove that not all classics have to be from the 90s. These beauties dropped in 2001, and while they don’t have the championship pedigree of the Bred or the cultural impact of the Space Jam, they make up for it with sheer wearability.

The medium grey upper paired with that patent leather is just *chef’s kiss*. These go with literally everything in my closet. I’ve worn my pair to casual Friday at work so many times that my coworkers have started a betting pool on when I’ll show up in them. The subtle colorway makes these the most versatile 11s ever made, and I’ll die on that hill.

5. Legend Blue – The All-Star

Originally known as the “Columbia” colorway, these clean white and blue 11s were what Jordan rocked during the 1996 NBA All-Star Game. There’s something about an all-white sneaker with just a hint of Carolina blue that screams summer.

I’ve worn mine to every Fourth of July barbecue for the past five years. Yes, I’m that guy nervously watching everyone with ketchup and mustard plates around my shoes. And yes, I’ve been known to bring a backup pair of beaters just in case things get too rowdy. Some call it obsessive, I call it preparedness.

The Legend Blues aren’t as iconic as the Concords or Breds, but they’ve earned their place in the Jordan 11 pantheon for their clean look and versatility. Plus, they’re pretty much the only 11s you can wear with shorts without looking like you’re trying too hard.

So there you have it—my definitive ranking of the top five Jordan 11s of all time. Did I get it right? Probably not according to some of you, and that’s the beauty of sneaker culture. We can argue about this stuff for hours and still go home friends.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go explain to my wife why we need to make room in our closet for the rumored 2023 retro releases…