In 1996, Michael Jordan debuted the Air Jordan 11 Low ‘Bred’ as a Player Exclusive (PE) during his championship season, cementing its iconic black-and-red colorway and patent leather design as a turning point in basketball sneaker aesthetics. In 2025, Jordan Brand reintroduces this legendary silhouette to the public, staying true to the OG details: black ballistic mesh upper, glossy patent leather mudguard, crisp white midsole, and translucent red outsole—reigniting the glory of ’90s hardwood dominance.
The Air Jordan 11: A Technical Revolution
The Air Jordan 11 didn’t just follow the Air Jordan 10’s simplicity—it shattered expectations. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the AJ11 retained the minimalist DNA of the AJ9 but introduced two revolutionary upgrades: patent leather and a full-length carbon fiber plate. The former was a direct request from Jordan, who demanded a shoe that gleamed like a dress shoe but performed like a weapon. The latter was Hatfield’s answer to instability—inspired by racing spikes, the carbon plate locked down the midfoot, reducing over-flex by 27% in lab tests. These innovations didn’t just define the AJ11; they redefined basketball footwear forever.
Launched in 1995 at $125 USD, the AJ11 debuted with the now-mythic ‘Concord,’ ‘Columbia,’ and ‘Bred’ colorways. Each design echoed the 1990s’ bold experimentation, but the 1996 IE Low variant proved the AJ11’s versatility. Built with lightweight mesh for breathability, the IE prioritized summer performance—a precursor to today’s hybrid trainers. Though it never matched the OG’s fame, its mesh blueprint influenced decades of footwear engineering, proving the AJ11 was always ahead of its time.
Inside the 2025 Air Jordan 11 Low ‘Bred’
This isn’t just a retro—it’s a time capsule. The 2025 Air Jordan 11 Low ‘Bred’ stays ruthlessly faithful to the ’96 PE specs: a black ballistic mesh upper, jet-black patent leather mudguard, and ice-white midsole. Underfoot, the Varsity Red translucent outsole burns like embers, a nod to Jordan’s fiery playoff dominance. But the true marvel is the carbon fiber plate, retained in its original form to deliver the same responsive rigidity that powered MJ’s 72-win season.
The Air Jordan 11 Low ‘Bred’ isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about legacy. For athletes, it’s a chance to own a piece of engineering history, now upgraded with modern cushioning (15% softer Phylon foam). For collectors, it’s the first shot at a grail once reserved for Jordan himself. Whether you’re chasing buckets or archiving greatness, this shoe bridges eras. Mark your calendar: April 26, 2025. Secure yours via ICNY SPORT’s VIP early access—because legends aren’t made, they’re relived.
