The 1996 season was almost a perfect season for Jordan. It marked his return as the leagues MVP, his team's record 72 victory season, and the start of their second three-peat. It also marked the release of his greatest shoe ever. Although my sneaker fanatic days are long gone (save for my current affinity for custom chucks), I have to say that there is one sneaker that I will always be willing to drop $150 on. In my opinion the Jordan XI is the greatest basketball shoe of all-time. Its composition is so simple, yet so luxurious. MJ first rocked the XIs during Chicago's series vs. Orlando in the second round of the 1995 playoffs. I remember seeing them for the first time and saying to myself: "My man is rocking basketball sneakers with patent leather on them!" By the time the shoes were actually released before the 95-96 season Jordan fans from all over America were waiting outside footlockers trying to get a pair. Since I was in school the day they were released, I sent my mom to pick up a pair for me. I tried to do the same thing when other colors came out throughout the year, but with the Bulls on a record run, and Michael Jordan hysteria at an all time high, it was damn near impossible to get a pair. I didn't get my hands on another pair until Nike released a retro version in late 2000. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the next pair.
The Jordan XI: The Greatest Basketball Shoe of All Time
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2/11/2007 3:19 AM ET By Nate Jones
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- Nate Jones
- Nate Jones is an NBA Blogger for FanHouse
The 1996 season was almost a perfect season for Jordan. It marked his return as the leagues MVP, his team's record 72 victory season, and the start of their second three-peat. It also marked the release of his greatest shoe ever. Although my sneaker fanatic days are long gone (save for my current affinity for custom chucks), I have to say that there is one sneaker that I will always be willing to drop $150 on. In my opinion the Jordan XI is the greatest basketball shoe of all-time. Its composition is so simple, yet so luxurious. MJ first rocked the XIs during Chicago's series vs. Orlando in the second round of the 1995 playoffs. I remember seeing them for the first time and saying to myself: "My man is rocking basketball sneakers with patent leather on them!" By the time the shoes were actually released before the 95-96 season Jordan fans from all over America were waiting outside footlockers trying to get a pair. Since I was in school the day they were released, I sent my mom to pick up a pair for me. I tried to do the same thing when other colors came out throughout the year, but with the Bulls on a record run, and Michael Jordan hysteria at an all time high, it was damn near impossible to get a pair. I didn't get my hands on another pair until Nike released a retro version in late 2000. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the next pair.
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Comments (Page 1 of 1)
They actually came out again last year as part of Nike's "Defining Moments Pack" which also had the Jordan VI.
A great great great shoe to ball in.
Whhat?! You mean all this time I've been rocking these babies
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2065000/2/istockphoto_2065000_well_worn.jpg
and there was a better pair of kicks? Dang!
(side note: I've never owned a pair of Jordans.. do I still have the right to be a hoops head? I hope the answer is yes...)
the best overall J's are the III's and the best to ball in are the XII's, imo.
the patent leather XI's will alwyas have a special place in my heart/closet though.
I chose the Grant Hill 2s over these when I was in 8th grade. It was the worst shoe-choosing decision I have ever made. Thankfully, they were reissued immediately prior to my senior year. I snatched them up fast. Best basketball shoes ever.