In 1995, Michael Jordan stepped onto the hardwood for playoff competition in the now iconic Air Jordan 11 silhouette. The never-before-seen silhouette shined bright with patent leather atop a translucent sole, and featured MJ’s number 45 on the heel.
More than two decades after its unexpected debut, The Air Jordan 11 “Concord” is making a return – the shoe will include “45” on the heels, just like they did with the “Space Jam” release from 2016. All other details like a White mesh upper, Black patent leather and Dark Concord accents will be the same. The shoe will resemble the original pair from 1995.
Look out for the Air Jordan 11 “Concord” to release on Saturday, 08 December 2018 at:
Shesha (Sandton, Eastgate, Mall of Africa, Melrose Arch, Menlyn, The Zone and Canal Walk)
- Men’s – R3,399.99
- Grade School: R22999.99
Jack Lemkus (26a St Georges Mall, Cape Town)
- MENS – R2899.00 UK6 TO UK11
- GRADE SCHOOL – R2299.00 UK3 TO UK6
Available Online at www.jacklemkus.com from 15:30pm
The Crosstrainer (Canal Walk, Eastgate, Gateway, Sandton, Rosebank)
- Mens – R2949.95
- Grade School – R2299.95
Shelflife Store ( Cape Town and Joburg)
Archive SA (Liberty Promenade, 29A Shortmarket street and 73 JutStreetet, Braamfontein)
Continue browsing the images below:
The Shine
Not only is MJ responsible for making Air Jordans part of basketball history on the court, he’s also credited with creating some of his signature line’s most iconic features. Dating back to the design of the Air Jordan 9, MJ had been asking Hatfield and his design team to push the envelope and incorporate patent leather. His reasoning was twofold: First and foremost, the patent leather would help keep his forefoot locked-in on quick stops and cuts. MJ also predicted the patent leather would be a hit off the court, even going as far as saying people would wear them on red carpets and at other formal events. Hatfield, who admits to being initially skeptical of MJ’s suggestion, eventually bought into the idea and added it to the Air Jordan 11. By the time people internally saw the design, they weren’t asking, “Why the shiny leather?”, they were asking why he was making another signature model for the retired MJ in the first place. He knew MJ well enough to know the Air Jordan 11 would get its time to shine.
The Impact
The history books will tell you MJ lost that year’s playoff series against Orlando, but they miss the most important part: MJ never lost, he learned. That series would fuel him in the off-season and inspire him to lead his team to a historic season and eventual second three-peat.
By the time he took the floor for the following season, the word had spread. These were not just basketball shoes, they were the “Concords,” the ultimate grail. Every fan, diehard and casual, needed to have them. Whether at awards shows or on the court, they made a statement wherever they appeared. Soon, it was out with the dress shoes and in with the Concords. Graduation? Lace them up. Wedding? “I do” to the 11s.
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