If you've been around the sneaker community for more than a week, you know the Jordan 11 is basically the holy grail of basketball footwear. It’s the shoe that changed the game back in '95. But lately, there is a specific itch people are trying to scratch: the black purple Jordan 11. It’s a colorway that feels like it should be everywhere, yet finding the "perfect" one depends entirely on how deep you go into sneaker history.
Most people aren't just looking for any random pair. They’re chasing a specific vibe. Maybe it's the regal look of the "Gamma Blue" that had those subtle purple hits, or more likely, it’s the legendary "Space Jam" which features concord purple accents that often look blue-ish in certain lighting.
Sneakers aren't just leather and foam. They're memories.
Why the Black Purple Jordan 11 Colorway Actually Matters
The obsession with this palette isn't accidental. Think about it. Black provides that sleek, tuxedo-like finish the 11 is famous for, thanks to Tinker Hatfield’s genius use of patent leather. Adding purple into the mix? That’s royalty. It’s a nod to the Charlotte Hornets—the team Michael Jordan eventually owned—and it’s a color that has defined some of the rarest Player Exclusives (PEs) in existence.
When we talk about the black purple Jordan 11, we have to address the elephant in the room: the 2018 "Jubilee" and the 2016 "Space Jam" retro. While the Space Jam is technically "Black/Dark Concord," that Concord shade is a deep, rich purple. Under the bright lights of a stadium or the harsh sun of a Saturday morning, that purple pops against the translucent outsole.
It’s subtle. It’s sophisticated. It's exactly why people lose their minds over these drops.
The "Space Jam" Confusion
Here is the thing. A lot of casual fans see the Space Jam 11 and think the Jumpman logo is blue. It’s not. It’s Dark Concord. That is a purple hue. Jordan Brand has used this specific shade of purple since the original 1995 release. If you’re looking for a black and purple shoe that holds its value, this is the one.
The 2016 release brought back the "45" on the heel instead of the traditional "23." Why? Because when MJ first came back from retirement, he wore 45. The purple accents on this pair are the benchmark for what a black and purple Jordan should look like.
Let's Talk About the "Prom Night" and "Cap and Gown"
In 2018, Jordan Brand released the "Cap and Gown" (also known as the Prom Night). It was an all-black affair. No purple. So why do people mention it when searching for the black purple Jordan 11?
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Because of the "icing."
The outsole of the Cap and Gown has a blueish-purple tint that looks incredibly vibrant when the light hits it. It’s an optical trick. Collectors often group these "dark" 11s together because they all serve the same purpose: looking incredibly sharp at a formal event where you’d usually wear dress shoes. You’ve probably seen these at weddings. Honestly, they look better than most oxfords.
The Mythical Player Exclusives (PEs)
If you want to see a true black and purple Jordan 11, you have to look at the stuff that never hit shelves. Ray Allen. Maya Moore. These athletes got pairs that would make a grown man cry.
Specifically, the "Bucks" PEs and the "Hornets" PEs.
These are the unicorns. They feature vibrant purple midsoles or deep purple patent leather wraps. They exist in the vaults of the world's biggest collectors like PJ Tucker or Fat Joe. For the rest of us? We’re left waiting for a "GR" (General Release) that finally gives the people what they want: a true "Purple Velvet" or a "Dark Iris" colorway in men’s sizing.
The Materials: More Than Just Shiny Plastic
The magic of the 11 is the patent leather. Tinker Hatfield didn't just pick it because it looked cool; he picked it because it didn't stretch as much as standard leather. This kept MJ’s foot locked in over the footbed during hard cuts.
On a black purple Jordan 11, the quality of that patent leather is everything. If it’s too stiff, it cracks. If it’s too soft, it loses that mirror-like finish.
- The Ballistic Mesh: This is what makes the shoe breathable. On the black versions, this mesh absorbs light, making the purple accents stand out even more.
- The Carbon Fiber Spring Plate: Look at the bottom of the shoe. That checkerboard pattern isn't just for show. It provides structural support. In purple-accented pairs, the carbon fiber is often kept neutral, but some customizers have started tinting the resin to match the upper.
- The Translucent Outsole: This is the "icy" part. Over time, these turn yellow due to oxidation. It’s inevitable. Some people hate it. Others love the "vintage" look. If you have a pair with purple tints in the sole, that yellowing can eventually make them look a bit "swampy," so keeping them clean is a full-time job.
How to Style These Without Looking Like a Mascot
Purple is a tough color. It’s bold.
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If you’re rocking the black purple Jordan 11, you have to let the shoes do the talking. Don't go out wearing a matching purple tracksuit unless you’re actually on the team. It’s too much.
Basically, you want to stick to neutrals. Black denim is the safest bet. It creates a seamless line from your leg to the shoe, making the patent leather pop. If you want to get adventurous, charcoal grey or even a very dark navy can work. The goal is to make people look down and say, "Wait, is that purple?"
That’s the "Space Jam" effect. It’s an understated flex.
Practical Steps for Buying and Maintaining
Since we aren't seeing a massive "Black/Purple" drop every other week, you’re likely hitting the secondary market. This means StockX, GOAT, or eBay.
Be careful. The 11 is the most faked shoe in the world.
Verify the "Peak." Look at the back of the patent leather on the heel. There should be a tiny "peak" or point where the leather was cut. Many fakes have a perfectly smooth curve.
Check the Jumpman. The fingers on the Jumpman logo should be distinct. On the black purple Jordan 11 "Space Jam" or similar retros, the embroidery is tight. If it looks like a blob, walk away.
Smell the shoes. Seriously. Real Nikes have a very specific chemical scent from the factory glue. "Rep" (replica) shoes often smell like strong spray paint or cheap adhesive.
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Once you have them, maintenance is key.
- Buy a shoe tree. Patent leather creases are permanent. A shoe tree helps maintain the shape when you aren't wearing them.
- Wipe them down immediately. Fingerprints show up on patent leather like crazy. Use a microfiber cloth. No chemicals needed.
- Store them in the dark. Remember that oxidation we talked about? UV light speeds that up. If you want your purple-tinted soles to stay purple, keep them in their box, not on a clear plastic shelf in the sun.
What’s Next for the Black Purple Jordan 11?
Rumors are always swirling in the sneaker world. With the success of the "Gratitude" 11s and the "Cherry" 11s, Jordan Brand is looking back at their archive of PEs. There is a strong chance we see a "Black/Court Purple" version in the next few holiday seasons.
Why? Because the market for the black purple Jordan 11 is massive and underserved.
Until then, your best bet is chasing the Space Jams or looking into the "Velvet" editions that occasionally drop in women's sizing. These often go up to a women’s 12 (men’s 10.5), so if you have smaller feet, you’re in luck.
Sneaker culture is about the hunt. Whether it’s a standard release or a rare find, the black and purple combo remains one of the most sophisticated choices in the Jordan lineup. It’s the perfect bridge between the basketball court and a high-end dinner.
Keep an eye on official SNKRS app announcements and verified leakers like zSneakerHeadz for the most accurate release dates. Don't fall for "leaked" images on random Instagram accounts that look like they were made in a blender. Real news always comes from the source.
If you're buying today, check the production date on the inner tag. A pair from 2016 will feel different than a pair from 2024. The older they are, the more likely the glue is to fail, so if you're buying "Deadstock" (unworn) pairs that are over eight years old, wear them with caution. The soles might just decide to part ways with the upper.
Actionable Insights for Collectors:
- Prioritize the 2016 Space Jam: It is the most authentic "Black/Purple" experience you can get in a Jordan 11 without spending thousands on a PE.
- Monitor Oxidation: If buying used, check for "yellowing." If the sole is already yellow, you can use "un-yellowing" creams, but they are a temporary fix and can weaken the rubber.
- Size Carefully: Jordan 11s can run a bit narrow because of the patent leather. If you have wide feet, consider going up half a size to avoid the dreaded "pinch" at the pinky toe.
- Use Plastic Wrap: If you are "vaulting" a pair for years, wrap them in shrink wrap with a silica packet to prevent moisture from destroying the materials.