Air Jordan 11
The Air Jordan 11 is the Jordan with the shiny patent leather rim, designed by Tinker Hatfield for the 1995-96 season. Patent leather was unusual on a basketball shoe at the time, and it gives the 11 almost the look of a dress shoe. Within Air Jordan, this is the model people also wear with a suit or to a party.
The history of the Air Jordan 11
Michael Jordan returned to the NBA in March 1995, after a spell in professional baseball. Hatfield was already working on the 11 and chose patent leather because it reminded him of formal wear. Jordan first wore the model during the 1995 play-offs, and the following season the Bulls won 72 of their 82 games and the title.
In 1996 the black-and-purple ‘Space Jam’ version appeared, named after the film in which Jordan starred that year. For years now, a new or returning Jordan 11 has come out around the holidays almost every year, which gives the model a permanent place with collectors.
Design and technology
The upper combines tough nylon mesh with a patent leather rim around the foot. The midsole holds a carbon fibre plate that keeps the shoe stiff and stable, with full-length Air cushioning. The translucent outsole completes it. Alongside the high version there is a Low, which stays below the ankle.
Popular Air Jordan 11 colorways
These are the Jordan 11s viewed most often on WOOVIN right now:
- Jordan 11 Retro ‘Gamma Blue’ (2025) – black patent leather with bright blue accents.
- Jordan 11 Retro ‘Cherry’ (2022) – white with cherry-red patent leather.
- Jordan 11 Retro ‘Pearl’ (W) – off-white and pearl grey with silver details.
- Jordan 11 Retro ‘Neapolitan’ (W) – cream, chocolate brown and light pink, like the well-known three-flavour ice cream.
- Jordan 11 Retro ‘Playoffs Bred’ (2019) – black patent leather with white and a red sole.
Air Jordan 11 High or Low: which should you choose?
The build is the same: mesh, patent leather and a carbon plate. The high version reaches above the ankle and has the tall patent leather rim that made the model famous. The Low sits below the ankle, is airier in summer and easier to pair with shorts.
How does the Air Jordan 11 fit?
The broad consensus among retailers and wearers is that the Air Jordan 11 fits true to size. Patent leather barely stretches, so what feels tight when you try it on will not get much roomier later. With wide feet, half a size up is therefore a sensible choice.
Buy the Air Jordan 11 at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will find the Jordan 11 in high and low versions, from black-and-red classics to soft (W) colours. The verified stores behind the Jordan 11 stock confirm for each pair that it is original. Patent leather creases less than regular leather, but it does show scratches.
Want a Jordan from the same era with less shine? Take a look at the Air Jordan 12 or the Air Jordan 13 as well.
