"Tinker made them shine, MJ made them fly, you made them iconic"
Ah, gotta love December. It's Christmas time, of course, and everyone is going to be getting gifts while spending quality time with their family.
For sneakerheads, it also means the annual release of an Air Jordan 11 colorway. In 2014, we get blessed with two of them with the "Legend Blues" on Saturday, December 20th followed by the "Pantones" in the "Ultimate Gift of Flight Pack" on Tuesday, December 23rd.
There's been several Jordan 11 colorways since the initial three launched in 1995. Let's take a look back at the top 11 Air Jordan XI colorways of all time.
*Only sneakers that have released to the public will be featured. PEs, samples, etc. not included...
11. Concord Lows
Released: May 3, 2014
The Air Jordan 11 in the low-top version have always been hot around the spring and summer time. We have seen some solid colorways, never any OG one being transitioned to the low-tops.
However, back in May, sneakerheads were blessed with the "Concord" colorway being in the low-top version. Of course, they sold out instantly and the hype was at an all time high.
It's only been seven months since they released, but people already consider these the best Jordan 11 low colorway of all time so far.
10. Gamma Blue
Released: December 21, 2013
This shoe wasn't liked by most sneakerheads at first, considering it was a brand new colorway for the Jordan 11.
Most were hoping that the Columbias would re-release in 2013 (luckily they are this year), but instead we were introduced with the Gamma Blues. As December rolled by, the hype was built and it grew on almost everyone.
The shoe is nice, but not as highly regarded as the other sneakers on this list.
9. Legend Blue
Released: December 20, 2014
After 13 years, the Columbias finally re-released. Originally coming out in 1996 and 2001, the sneaker was brought back this year with a new name in the Legend Blues.
The shoe, however, is technically considered different than the Columbias. Obviously, we got the name change. Also, the tint of the blue is also slightly different.
Nonetheless, it's a still hot sneaker and will be an instant classic.
8. 25th Anniversary
Released: May 1, 2010
To celebrate 25 years of Jordan Brand, the Air Jordan 11 "Silver Anniversary" colorway was released. The shoes were interesting since they were all-white, along with it not featuring a Jumpman.
The shoes also featured a different, higher quality pattern with the inner sock lining, which will be seen on the Pantone 11s as well.
Overall, this is a sneaker that is quite overlooked by folks in the sneaker community, partly because they are hard to get these days.
7. Pantone
Released: December 23, 2014
The sneaker was originally PE, but Jordan Brand decided to finally release the Pantone 11s this year in a pack with the Air Jordan 29.
The shoe has the same Columbia/Legend Blue color as the 11s releasing on the 20th, but it's featured on the whole upper.
Until this year, the Pantone 11s were largely considered collector's item since they were so rare and extremely expensive. Now sneakerheads who have always wanted a pair have their chance on Tuesday.
6. Cool Grey
Released: March 3, 2001 and December 23, 2010
For me personally, this if my favorite Jordan 11 colorway. I remember one of my friends having these back in middle school, and I always wanted a pair. I finally have one today, and I am very satisfied with them.
It's not an OG colorway, but the shoe is just too clean. The icy blue sole also really sets it off, and the white midsole helps make it pop.
For non-OG colorways, this definitely ranks at the top for many sneakerheads.
5. Defining Moments Pack
Released: January 28, 2006
Air Jordan 11 Retro LE "DMP" is regarded to be a part of the best pack ever created by Jordan Brand, the Defining Moments Pack.
These gold-black-white 11s released alongside with black/gold Jordan 6s to create one of the best packs ever. Today, these shoes still go for racks and is definitely on a lot of fans' grail lists.
With a Concord-look replaced by gold accents on the Jumpman, 23 and the tongue, you can't go wrong with the DMP 11s.
4. Columbia
Released: 1996 and January 17, 2001
There is definitely some differences between the Legend Blues and the Columbias, as stated earlier in this article.
A lot of people would probably prefer the Columbias based off the name recognition and it being the true OG colorway. One can't forget when Michael Jordan balled out in these during the 1996 NBA All-Star Game.
For me, I remember this shoe best for when Will Smith rocked them in the finale of Fresh Prince:
GOAT!
3. Space Jam
Released: December 13, 2000 and December 23, 2009
These were the sneakers that truly started the Air Jordan 11 craze every December. People went absolutely nuts for these back in '09, and it helped prompt the absolute craziness for the Concords in 2011.
This sneaker is definitely one of the best of the Jordan 11s, and it's cool considering that it isn't an OG colorway. A lot of MJ fans can connect to it, of course, with the amazing "Space Jam" movie that came out in the 1990s.
The shoe overall is dope as well. An all-black upper with blue and white hits with a clear sole — you can't go wrong.
2. Concord
Released: 1995, October 25, 2000 and December 23, 2011
The sneaker game changed in 2011 when these came out. People died over these sneakers, and it's crazy.
However, let's look at the positives. This shoe was worn a lot by MJ himself during the legendary 1995-96 season when the Chicago Bulls went 72-10. It helped spark a change in the sneaker game, because the Jordan 11 is arguably one of the most iconic sneakers ever.
The black/white colorway gives this shoe a classic, sleek and fresh look. And that icy blue sole? It's over.
1. Bred
Released: 1996, December 15, 2001, December 20, 2008 and December 21, 2012
Playoffs, Breds, Black/Red ... whatever you wanna call it, this has to be the best Air Jordan 11 colorway of all time.
When you think of MJ shoes, the black-and-red is definitely going to be the colorway of interest. It fits perfectly here with the Bred 11s.
Of course, they are flooded all over the market thanks to the massive general release in 2012, followed by a billion restocks in 2013. And that's a good thing, because everyone wanted them.
What comes to mind for me will always be this when I think of these shoes:
Iconic moment, iconic sneakers.
The greatest Air Jordan XI colorway of all time.
