Anyone who’s into sneakers (and even a lot of people who aren’t) know: the Jordan XI causes mass hysteria every time it drops. From the summertime low-top releases, to the thirsted-after holiday release, XI’s cause sneakerheads, fashionistas, and Michael Jordan fans to lose their collective minds every time they drop.
I love Jordans, (I’s, III’s and IV’s especially), and I think the XI’s are dope, but I don’t love them as much as most people seem to. So I figured we’d take a journey together today. A journey in which we try to figure out why people love their XI’s so damn much. Let’s begin.
The first though that comes to mind: it’s the design. Both the highs and lows are sleek and beautiful. The icy translucent sole and the patent leather upper come together to create a very luxurious-looking shoe. You could wear the XI’s with a suit, and unless you were at the stuffiest of gatherings, nobody would glance twice. They’re just that elegant, and that’s not something you find in a shoe too often. Plus, when the icy soles yellow, they almost look better, not worse. That’s not common with most kicks.
It could be the hype too. We all know the hype is a powerful thing, and it’s amplified with the XI’s because literally everyone wants them, especially around the holiday season. They’ve become a powerful status symbol, and that’s not something to take lightly. People get beat up and robbed for shoes like these because they mean so much.
And finally, it could be the history. Jordan rocked the XI’s in the 95-96 NBA season, in which the team set the NBA record (since broken by the Warriors…yuck) for victories in a season, with 72. Anyone who watched the Bulls that season has fond memories, and maybe the shoe just brings them back.
No matter if it’s history, hype, status, or design, the thirst for the XI’s doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon. The staying power of the XI is incredible…and that’s how you know it’s a classic.
What’s your favorite pair of Jordan XI’s? Is it an OG colorway, or a recent release? Do you prefer the highs or the lows? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter, check our Facebook page for daily updates, and, as always, be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the fire sneaker pictures you can handle.