The Air Jordan 11 is one of the most beloved sneakers in the Jordan Brand lineup. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and introduced in 1995, it was the first basketball shoe to feature patent leather, giving it a luxury-meets-performance look that revolutionized the sneaker industry. The model also played a major role in Michael Jordan’s second three-peat with the Bulls, further cementing its legendary status. For this list, we’re only including pairs that were officially released to the public—so don’t lose your mind over your favorite player exclusives or samples not making the cut!
Here are the Top 5 Best Air Jordan 11s of All-Time, ranked based on cultural significance, design, and sneakerhead demand.
1. Air Jordan 11 ‘Concord’
Release Date: 1995 (Retro versions in 2000, 2011, 2018)
Why It’s Iconic: The ‘Concord’ AJ11 is the sneaker that changed everything. Worn by Michael Jordan during his return to the NBA and the Bulls’ historic 72-10 season, it introduced patent leather to basketball shoes. The crisp white upper, black patent leather mudguard, and icy translucent outsole make this one of the greatest sneakers of all time.
2. Air Jordan 11 ‘Bred’
Release Date: 1996 (Retro versions in 2001, 2008, 2012, 2019)
Why It’s Iconic: The ‘Bred’ AJ11 was the shoe MJ wore while winning his fourth NBA Championship in 1996. With its black upper, patent leather detailing, and bold red outsole, this sneaker became an instant classic and is still one of the most sought-after Jordan 11 colorways.
3. Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’
Release Date: 2000 (Retro versions in 2009, 2016)
Why It’s Iconic: The ‘Space Jam’ AJ11 became famous when Michael Jordan wore it in the 1996 movie Space Jam. The sleek black patent leather upper, translucent outsole, and subtle blue accents give this sneaker an undeniably cool look. The 2016 retro, which stayed true to MJ’s original #45 branding, made it even more legendary.
4. Air Jordan 11 ‘Cool Grey’
Release Date: 2001 (Retro versions in 2010, 2021)
Why It’s Iconic: The ‘Cool Grey’ AJ11 proved that non-OG colorways could be just as legendary. Featuring a grey nubuck upper, patent leather detailing, and an icy blue outsole, this sneaker offers a more refined and lifestyle-friendly take on the AJ11. It remains one of the most popular retro releases.
5. Air Jordan 11 ‘Columbia’ / ‘Legend Blue’
Release Date: 1996 (Retro versions in 2001, 2014)
Why It’s Iconic: Originally called the ‘Columbia’ AJ11, this clean all-white sneaker was worn by MJ during the 1996 NBA All-Star Game. When it retroed in 2014 as the ‘Legend Blue’ AJ11, it became one of the best-selling Jordan releases ever. The icy outsole and soft blue branding make this one of the freshest Jordan 11s of all time.
Air Jordan 11 ‘Gamma Blue’
A bold blacked-out AJ11 with blue accents, released in 2013.
Air Jordan 11 ‘Pantone’ / ‘Gift of Flight’
Originally a promo sample, this UNC-inspired blue suede edition got a public release in 2014.
Air Jordan 11 ‘Cherry’
A striking red and white take on the AJ11, released in 2022.
Air Jordan 11 ‘Cap and Gown’
A triple-black, luxury-inspired AJ11 designed as the perfect graduation sneaker.
The Air Jordan 11 remains one of the most iconic, luxurious, and culturally significant sneakers ever made. Whether it’s an OG classic like the ‘Concord’ or a newer favorite like the ‘Cool Grey’, these five picks represent the best of the best.
