The Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Cool Grey' 2021 Celebrates 20 Years of Iconic Versatility
The return of a colorway first worn by Michael Jordan during his time with the Washington Wizards.
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The Air Jordan 11 is Michael Jordan’s personal favorite for a reason. Hitting the court after a year spent playing minor league baseball, Jordan returned to the NBA more driven than ever. Waiting for him was Tinker Hatfield’s latest innovation.
The Material Innovation of the Air Jordan 11
The silhouette made liberal use of ballistic mesh, a lightweight material known for its durability. A carbon fiber spring plate was placed in the translucent outsole to provide better torque when it mattered most. By far the most striking feature, however, was the implementation of a patent leather mudguard. Compared to genuine leather, patent leather weighed less and tended to hold its shape longer, two characteristics prized by an athlete at the top of their game. Additionally, the glossy material brought an informal touch of luxury back to the Air Jordan line, a sensibility left on the sidelines since the introduction of the Air Jordan 2.
The final silhouette was shown to MJ in Spring 1995 following a number of prototype meetings. Enamored with the shoe, Jordan laced up a pair before Nike officially gave him the greenlight, soon debuting the 'Concord' colorway on the hardwood. Mike wore that exact makeup for the entirety of the 1995-1996 regular season, switching colorways only for the All-Star Game and the postseason.
The silhouette earned its place in basketball history as Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to a 72-win season and an NBA title, his fourth with the team since joining in 1984. Even more remarkable, MJ became only the second player ever to win the MVP Award for the season, the All-Star Game and the Finals in a single season. The shoes even appeared in the 1996 animated classic Space Jam, forever cementing the AJ11 as an icon of ’90s culture.
MJ Laces Up the AJ11 Once More—This Time in 'Cool Grey'
The sneaker returned for its first retro outing in late 2000, followed by a series of new colorways in 2001, including a tonal arrangement immediately embraced for its versatility: 'Cool Grey.' With MJ back on the court as a member of the Washington Wizards, the model recalled Mike’s triumphant 95-96 season, further adding to the colorway’s backstory. In 2010, the color arrangement returned for the first time, giving a new generation the chance to take part in NBA and sneaker history.
And now, 20 years since the debut of the OG colorway, the Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Cool Grey' returns. First teased on Jayson Tatum’s Snapchat back in October 2020, the mid-top reissue remains faithful to the original, pairing a nubuck upper with tonal webbing lace loops. A patent leather overlay appears higher cut than the 2010 version, arriving in shades of Medium and Cool Grey. A stylized “23” appears on the heel notch, with an embroidered Jumpman logo on the lateral ankle. A full-length Air-sole unit housed in a white Phylon midsole provides lightweight cushioning, while a translucent outsole carries a carbon fiber spring plate.
The AJ11 'Cool Grey' Releases As a Retro For Only the Second Time
Releasing December 11, 2021, the AJ11 Retro 'Cool Grey' speaks to both the performance and cultural significance of the silhouette, while continuing the brand’s tradition of releasing Mike’s 11th signature in the run up to the holidays. Although only the second retro in its 20-year history, the 2021 edition of 'Cool Grey' showcases the colorway’s staying power, a remarkable feat we’ll likely be celebrating a decade from now.
The Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Cool Grey' 2021 is available on the app and GOAT.com
Air Jordan 11 'Cool Grey' 2021 FAQs
When did the Air Jordan 11 'Cool Grey' come out?
The original Air Jordan 11 'Cool Grey' released on March 3, 2001. A retro version came out on December 23, 2010. The 2021 iteration released on December 11, 2021.
What Air Jordan 11s were released in December 2021?
In December 2021, Jordan Brand will released the Air Jordan 11 'Cool Grey,' a reissue of a colorway that debuted in 2001 and retroed in 2010.
How much are 'Cool Grey' Jordans?
The Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Cool Grey' 2021 is set to release on December 11, 2021 for $225. However, because of the limited supply and strong demand, new pairs of 'Cool Grey' Jordans cost more than the retail price.
What are some other 'Cool Grey' Jordans?
Here's a list of 'Cool Grey' sneakers and cleats:
- Wmns Air Jordan 2 Retro 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 6 Retro GS 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 6 Retro TD 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 6 Retro PS 'Cool Grey'
- Air Max 95 'Cool Grey University Blue'
- Jordan Granville Pro 'Cool Grey Infrared'
- Jordan 6 Rings GS 'White Cool Grey'
- Jordan Series Mid 'Cool Grey'
- Jordan Dub Zero GS 'White Cool Grey'
- Jordan Max Aura 4 GS 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 11 Low 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 6 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 3 'Cool Grey' 2021
- Air Jordan 8 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 11 Low Golf 'Cool Grey'
- Air Jordan 11 Low 'Cool Grey' football cleat
- Wmns Dunk Low 'Cool Grey'