Jordan 11 Retro

The suave black outer of this Jordan 11 Retro gives it a sophisticated look that has seen it nicknamed Cap and Gown. This makes it ideal for formal occasions, just as Michael Jordan desired for the first AJ11, in particular graduation ceremonies, which this sneaker was inspired by. Along with this, it retains the classic features of the original, firstly in the form of its translucent rubber outsole. This partially see-through component has a hint of blue running through it, revealing the carbon fibre shank and the outline of a Jumpman logo beneath. Wavy grip lines mark its surface, while two opaque black areas are indented with a herringbone tread to bring further traction to the sneaker.

Between this and the upper is a black Phylon foam midsole containing full-length Air cushioning to add comfort to the shoe’s list of attributes. The highly elegant upper brings together a sleek, glossy patent leather mudguard with a smooth nubuck panel across the top of the foot, both of which continue the black theme found on the rest of the design. The heel panel is also made of luxurious nubuck, while its branding effects blend subtly into its surface as the embossed Jumpman on the lateral heel and the number 23 embroidered into the heel tab are both black as well.

The stealthy look continues inside the shoe as black once again covers almost everything. Only the Jumpman silhouette on the insole diverges from this colour palette, coming in a light grey tone. The Jumpman and Jordan lettering on the band of material through the centre of the nubuck tongue also exhibit this lighter hue, though its Jumpman logo is barely visible between the two words in black. Adding the final classy touch to this Air Jordan 11 are its black rope laces – a nod to the cords found on traditional graduation attire.