If you’ve ever seen a pair of sneakers that looked like they belonged at both a championship parade and a black-tie gala, you were probably looking at the AJ 11 Concord Low.
It’s weird. Most "low" versions of legendary Jordans feel like an afterthought. They’re the "consolation prize" you buy when you miss out on the high-tops. But the Concord Low? It’s different. It has this strange, magnetic energy that makes it arguably the best summer sneaker ever made.
Honestly, it’s the patent leather. That high-gloss shine against the crisp white mesh. It shouldn’t work for a casual shoe, yet somehow, it’s the only thing people want to wear when the sun comes out.
The Secret History of the AJ 11 Concord Low
Most people think the Concord Low is a modern "retro" invention. They assume Jordan Brand just chopped the top off the classic 1995 model to sell more shoes in the 2010s.
They're wrong.
The story actually starts in 1996. After the Chicago Bulls capped off their historic 72-10 season, Michael Jordan showed up to the championship parade wearing something nobody had ever seen: a low-cut version of his famous Concords.
For nearly two decades, those parade pairs were the stuff of legend. They were "PEs" (Player Exclusives), meant only for MJ himself. Collectors obsessed over grainy photos of Michael on the victory float, wondering if they’d ever get a chance to own them.
It took until May 3, 2014, for Jordan Brand to finally drop the retail version. The hype was stupid. People weren't just buying a shoe; they were finally buying a piece of history that had been teased eighteen years prior.
Why "Concord" Isn't Actually Black
Here’s a fun fact to use the next time you’re talking shop with a sneakerhead: the name "Concord" has nothing to do with the black patent leather.
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Everyone calls them "Concords" because of the color. But if you look at the shoe, 90% of it is white and black. So where's the purple?
Basically, "Concord" is the specific shade of dark grape purple used on the herringbone traction pods on the outsole and the tiny Jumpman logos. That’s it. Just a few splashes of purple on the bottom of the shoe gave one of the most famous sneakers in history its name.
Tinker Hatfield, the mad scientist who designed the AJ 11, was notorious for these kinds of details. He wanted to create a shoe that looked like a "tuxedo for the feet," and those purple hits were the final, subtle touch of royalty.
Design Breakdown: Ballistic Mesh and That Famous Shine
The AJ 11 Concord Low is built like a tank, even if it looks like a luxury car.
You’ve got the ballistic mesh upper. It’s breathable, sure, but it’s also incredibly durable. It doesn’t crease like leather, which keeps the shoes looking "fresh out the box" for way longer than a pair of Jordan 1s.
Then there’s the patent leather mudguard.
Tinker didn't just add patent leather because it looked cool. He added it because Michael Jordan was notorious for "rolling" over the footbed during hard cuts on the court. The stiff, shiny leather acted as a support beam, keeping MJ’s foot locked in place.
On the low-top version, this patent leather wraps all the way around, giving the shoe its iconic silhouette.
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What’s Inside the Sole?
- Full-length Air unit: It’s not as "bouncy" as modern Zoom Air, but it’s remarkably comfortable for a 30-year-old design.
- Carbon Fiber Shank Plate: If you flip the shoe over, you’ll see a checkerboard pattern. That’s real carbon fiber. It provides torsional rigidity so the shoe doesn't twist and hurt your arch.
- Translucent Outsole: Often called "icy soles." When they’re brand new, they have a beautiful blue tint. Over time, they turn yellow due to oxidation (more on how to fix that later).
Is the Quality Actually Good?
We have to be real here. Nike and Jordan Brand have had some "hit or miss" years when it comes to quality control.
The 2014 release of the AJ 11 Concord Low was actually pretty solid. The materials felt premium, and the patent leather had a nice thickness to it. However, if you're looking at pairs on the secondary market today (like StockX or GOAT), you have to be careful.
The most common issue with older pairs is "sole separation." The glue that holds the midsole to the patent leather eventually dries out and cracks. If you buy a pair from 2014 today, there’s a decent chance you might need to re-glue them if you plan on actually walking in them.
Also, watch out for the "yellowing." Even if a pair has never been worn, the oxygen in the air reacts with the rubber soles. A "deadstock" pair from ten years ago won't look blue anymore; it'll look like a piece of vintage parchment paper.
How to Style the Concord Low Without Looking Like a Goof
The beauty of the Concord Low is its versatility. Because it’s a low-top, it doesn’t "eat" your legs the way the high-tops do, making it much easier to wear with shorts.
The Summer Vibe:
Pair them with some mesh Jordan shorts and a clean white tee. It’s a classic look that has worked since the 90s. The black patent leather provides enough "pop" that you don't need a loud outfit.
The "Dressed Up" Look:
Believe it or not, people wear these to weddings. If you’re going to do the "suit and sneakers" thing, the AJ 11 is the only shoe that can actually pull it off. Just make sure your trousers are tailored with a slight taper so they don't cover the patent leather. You want that shine to show.
The "Street" Fit:
Black joggers or cargo pants. The contrast between the rugged fabric of the pants and the shiny leather of the shoes creates a cool texture play.
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Keeping Your Concords From Turning Yellow
If you own a pair of AJ 11 Concord Lows, you’re basically in a constant war against the environment.
The biggest enemy is moisture and air. When you’re not wearing them, don't just throw them in the closet. Stick them back in the box with some silica gel packets. These little bags suck the moisture out of the air and slow down the yellowing process.
If your soles are already yellow, don't panic. You can use a "sole de-oxidizer" (like Salon Care 40 or specialized sneaker products). You apply the cream, wrap the soles in clear plastic wrap, and let them sit under a UV light or in the sun for a few hours. It’s like magic—the blue tint comes right back.
A Quick Care Guide:
- Wipe the Patent Leather: Use a microfiber cloth. Patent leather is a magnet for fingerprints and dust. A quick dry wipe keeps them glowing.
- Brush the Mesh: Use a soft-bristle brush. Don't use a stiff brush or you'll "fuzz" the ballistic nylon.
- Avoid Rain: Seriously. Water is the quickest way to ruin the glue and yellow the soles. If it’s pouring out, leave the Concords at home.
The Verdict: Why It Still Matters
Sneaker trends come and go. One year everyone is wearing bulky "dad shoes," the next year it’s slim terrace trainers.
The AJ 11 Concord Low ignores all of that. It’s a "perfect" design. It bridges the gap between performance basketball tech and high-end fashion in a way that hasn't been replicated since.
When you put them on, you feel a little bit like Michael Jordan at a parade. And honestly? That’s why we buy sneakers in the first place.
Your Next Steps for the AJ 11 Concord Low:
Check your current collection for any pairs showing "sole separation"—if the glue is failing, look for a local sneaker restorer rather than trying to DIY with Super Glue (which can ruin the patent leather). If you’re looking to buy a pair today, prioritize "Yellowed" soles over "Glued" repairs, as yellowing is purely aesthetic and can be fixed, while a bad glue job is often permanent. Finally, always store these in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the icy blue tint of the outsole for as long as possible.