The return of a colorway first worn by Michael Jordan during his time with the Washington Wizards.

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 <a href="https://www.goat.com/brand/air-jordan">Air Jordan line</a>, a sensibility left on the sidelines since the introduction of the <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/silhouette/air-jordan-2">Air Jordan 2</a>.
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 <a href="https://www.goat.com/brand/nike">Nike</a> 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.

Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Cool Grey' 2021

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 <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/air-jordan-11-retro-cool-grey-2001-136046-011">2001</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/air-jordan-11-retro-cool-grey-2021-ct8012-005">Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Cool Grey'</a> 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 <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/air-jordan-11-retro-cool-grey-2010-378037-001">2010 version</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/air-jordan-11-retro-cool-grey-2021-ct8012-005">GOAT.com</a>

Air Jordan 11 'Cool Grey' 2021 FAQs

The Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Cool Grey' 2021 Celebrates 20 Years of Iconic Versatility

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