I haven’t played in a pair of XI’s since 2001… It’s been a while.
Traction – I can’t remember how the traction held up when I was younger… I used to wear my shoes casually and on-court back then so it probably is best that I can’t remember. Herringbone makes its way onto the Air Jordan for the first time since the AJ5… it also brings back the translucent outsole. The translucent outsole is the only thing that worries me since I don’t always get the pleasure of playing on clean surfaces but other than that they look great.
Cushion – Same setup as the Air Jordan X but the Phylon used is softer and a bit lighter in weight. I remember these feeling like pillows… I know they don’t feel like that nowadays but I’m sure it’ll be an upgrade compared to the Polyurethane models.
Material – Patent leather was used for the first time and mesh was placed along the upper. Lightweight and strong… interesting concept… That’s sarcasm by the way. Nike did it first back in the day and they have perfected it… lightweight performance models that last.
Fit – They fit true to size and break-in time should be minimal at the toe box’s flex point. The patent leather is much thinner than what we used to get so I assume the sides will break-in easily as well. I’m betting it’s the insole & midsole that will need some additional break-in time as they feel pretty stiff right now.
Ventilation – The mesh upper was a good start. It’s nowhere near as breathable as something you’d see on the shelf now but back in 95/96 this was crazy. It’s like a runner and a hoop shoe had a baby!
Support – Finally… real support! Carbon Fiber is introduced to basketball footwear. The plate was supposed to reinforce the arch and add some spring to the forefoot as far as toe-offs are concerned. Couple that with the wrap around fit from the mesh and we could have something here… again, sarcasm.
The Air Jordan XI was the pinnacle of basketball performance footwear when it made its debut. Much of what you see here is still used today in 2012. The only thing that will set these apart from current on-court performers will be their overall quality… can they hold up on-court?
I hope that the patent leather doesn’t rip while you are in the middle of a game.
where did you get your pair of jordan xi
One pair from Air-Knight.com and the other from SoleSupremacy.com
Are those legit websites? Also, what other websites would you recommend for buying retro Jordans?
No, I like buying overpriced fakes… SMH…
How does the weight compare to shoes today, and Off topic do you know a place that sells this or are they releasing a retro in the future.
I’m curious to see how the XI holds up on court.
Props on the review, but I think it’s a bit unfair to evaluate the XI based on the current retro, which is no doubt trash with garbage quality. Although, I’ve never had the original xi, I’m pretty sure it’s a much better shoe than the 2011 retro since, unlike current retros, it was designed for basketball players.
I believe most of the current retros are garbage as well but I think these newer ones are more relevant to the Air Jordan Project and for us who use them ’cause it’s what the majority are getting/buying anyway. It is hard to find older retros and OGs and I doubt a lot of people would actually ball in them if they did hahaha
Plus, NW does take into account how the quality of the shoe affects performance.
Performance testing the Retro releases is what the Air Jordan Project is… how is it not fair all of a sudden after I’ve reviewed 1-10 just fine? If you have not ever owned the OG or first round Retros from 2000/01 then you cant say anything about quality since you don’t have anything to compare it to. That would be like me saying you are an idiot compared to your unborn brother… if he is not available to make an accurate comparison then I have no business casting judgment in the first place. Saying that these shoes arent designed for basketball is completely wrong and narrow minded as well. The design was created in 1994 and produced in 1995, the design was originally intended for basketball. It was consumers that made them into a fashion statement thus poisoning your mind into thinking its not a basketball shoe when in fact it is. I’m not hating, just throwing in my opinion.
BTW – I’ve had the OG XI, 2001 Retro, 2008 CDP & every single release since… I cant tell you right now that the 2011 Concord is the closet thing to the OG and 2001 Retro that has been released since 2008. From the fit to the step in feel and shape, its the closet thing since 2001. Also, my OGs and 01s patent leather peeled, creased easily, carbon fiber cracked after multiple uses on-court… there is nothing wrong with todays release… consumers are judgmental without being educated is all.
“I can tell you” not “cant tell you”
you’re, when the lebron 10’s retro people are gonna do the same thing they did to the 11’s when they retroed.
Nice one NW! Can’t wait to read your review about this since I’m getting the BREDs/Playoffs XIs this December! More power!
Hi all,
Is ebay the best site to sell those shoes? I bought size 13,5US and they’re too small. If you can recommend a good site apart from ebay that would be much appreciated. Thanks
Yeah! Been waiting till you get to this part of the Air Jordan Project! Excited for your reviews on these and the next three Js!
Does the Nike Air in the heel and forefoot provide good impact protection? I’ve always want to try a sneaker which this kind of cushioning, but it seems Nike has been sticking to zoom air or max air. A basketball shoe with the same cushioning as the Jordan 11, Nike air and a phylon midsole since seems like it would be a good compromise in regards to responsiveness and impact protection compared to max air which lacks stability or zoom air which Im not really a fan of because I prefer comfort and impact protection over court feel. I think it would be great if Nike brought back nike air (the kind that isn’t visible like max air) and maybe redesigned it with different materials to make it more comfortable and perform better for playin ball. What do you think NW? I’m always interesting in the technology used in footwear in general, and I glad you have provided such a great place for sneakerheads to share ideas and advice for ballers, thanks man and keep up the good work bro!