When thinking up the design for the Jordan 11, Tinker Hatfield took inspiration from the shininess of Japanese baseball shoes. He wanted the shoe to be shiny and easy to clean, like the body of a car, and we think the black patent leather mudguard that surrounds the midsole is just that.
Above this shiny mudguard is a unique ballistic white nylon upper — the kind of material you'd find on a camping backpack. This material tightens up not with laces, but with nylon webbing loops you can pull or loosen as necessary. Since newborns won't be doing much walking, the infant bootie lacks this feature for a simpler construction.
The white tongue includes a black Air Jordan patch on the middle, but nothing at the usual top branding spot. Black ankle padding gives way to a black inside with additional Jordan branding in gold.
You'll also see gold on the heel branding. A golden Jumpman soars on the lateral heel edge, adding a major touch of lux.
Underfoot, you'll benefit from a full-length carbon fiber plate coupled with full-length Nike Air cushioning — the first Jordan kick to ever have that combo. The white midsole transitions into a translucent gummy rubber outsole with black traction patterns throughout.
Yes, these were originally basketball shoes, but today, they'd serve you better as casual kicks. Throw them on with a pair of faded jeans and your favorite black hoodie for style that just won't stop.
The Black Cat won 72 games and a championship while donning the AJ11, so he's certainly thankful for these kicks. Are you? Prove your allegiance by shopping the Air Jordan 11 Retro "Gratitude" in men's, grade school kids', preschool kids', toddler kids' and infant sizes on December 9th, online and at your local Hibbett | City Gear.
Finding shoes that fit the whole family is hard! If you weren't able to snag a pair for everyone on launch day, make sure to follow our sneaker release calendar so you can stay up to date with all the latest drops.
