Each and every holiday season, Jordan Brand brings a special Air Jordan 11 release to market — for 2019’s, the footwear giant has chosen one of the silhouette’s most famous colorways: “Bred.” Last seen in 2012, this “Bred” holds a lofty spot in the pantheon of Air Jordan releases, sitting alongside other legendary makeups like the “Concord” and “Space Jam.”
Designed by the transcendent Tinker Hatfield, the “Bred” was first spotted on Michael Jordan‘s feet during the 1996 playoffs, where he carried the Chicago Bulls to their 4th NBA Championship and garnered his 4th NBA Finals MVP award. The “Bred” was an immediate hit thanks to its effortless blend of luxurious detailing, powerful performance and timeless black/red colorway, featuring signature details like a patent leather mudguard, ballistic mesh upper, midfoot carbon fiber plate, icy red sole and heel/forefoot Zoom Air units. Since then, it re-released in 2001 and then in 2008 as part of a CDP pack with the Air Jordan 12, and in 2012. However, this fourth appearance is the most true-to-the-original yet.
Following in the footsteps of other recent Air Jordan 11s, the patent leather overlay is high-cut, much like it was back in ‘96. An original #23 graphic is present on the heel as well. This provides a noticeable difference from the aforementioned “Space Jam” and “Concord,” both of which featured a #45 hit — the number MJ briefly wore upon his return from retirement — on their most recent iterations. Every other piece of the shoe from the outsole to collar is lovingly re-created as well, making for a true piece of fan service and an artfully crafted nod to one of the most notable Air Jordan silhouettes ever.
The Air Jordan 11 “Bred” had a surprise drop earlier today (November 14) via Nike’s SNKRS app, but for those who missed out, the shoe will officially return on December 14 and will be available through Nike SNKRS with an MSRP of $220 USD.
Elsewhere in the world of Jordan Brand, it’s been speculated that they’ve teamed up with Dior for an Air Jordan 1, set to release in 2020.
