Everyone has that one pair. You know the one. For a huge chunk of the planet, it’s a white and black Jordan 11. Maybe it's the "Concord" with that icy purple tint or the "Gratitude" that just dropped with the buttery leather upper. These shoes are basically the tuxedos of the sneaker world. They’ve been around since '95, yet somehow, they still make people lose their minds every December.
Why the "Tuxedo" Look Actually Works
Tinker Hatfield is a genius. Honestly. When he designed the 11s, he wasn't just thinking about Michael Jordan flying through the air. He wanted something MJ could wear with a suit. That’s where the patent leather comes in. It’s shiny. It’s loud. But because it’s black on a white base, it stays classy. It’s a weird contradiction that shouldn't work on a basketball court, but it does.
Think about the "Concord" colorway. The name is actually a bit of a troll. Tinker chose "Concord Purple" for the tiny traction pods on the bottom just to mess with people. Most of the shoe is just stark white mesh and deep black patent leather. It’s the ultimate "less is more" move that ended up becoming the most famous sneaker in history.
Concords vs. Jubilees vs. Gratitude
If you’re looking at a pair of white and black 11s, you’re probably looking at one of these three. They look the same from a distance. Up close? Totally different vibes.
The Concord is the original. It has the ballistic mesh upper and the purple hits on the sole. If you have the 2018 retro, it’s got the "45" on the heel because Mike was wearing 45 when he first debuted them against the Magic.
Then you have the Jubilee. This was the 25th-anniversary pair from 2020. It’s mostly black, but it’s part of that same "tuxedo" family. The big difference here is the metallic silver Jumpman and the "JORDAN" lettering along the eyelets. It’s a nod to Tinker’s original sketches that never made it to the 1995 production line.
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The Gratitude (released late 2023) is where things got fancy. Instead of mesh, Nike used a premium white leather. It feels heavier. More substantial. The Jumpman is gold, and the sole has a slightly different tint. It’s basically the "Defining Moments Pack" (DMP) version for the modern era.
The Patent Leather Problem
Let's be real: patent leather is a pain. It creases if you look at it wrong. If you’re buying a pair of white and black 11s to actually wear, you have to accept the "smile." That’s the crease that forms right across the toe box. Some people hate it. Others see it as a badge of honor.
Maintenance isn't optional here.
- Wiping down: Use a microfiber cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals on the patent leather or it’ll go cloudy.
- The Yellowing: It’s inevitable. The clear outsoles on the Concord and Gratitude will eventually turn yellow because of oxidation. 2026 tech has improved the "anti-yellowing" mixtures, but oxygen always wins.
- Storage: Keep them out of the sun. Seriously. UV light is the enemy of icy soles.
Styling Without Looking Like a 2012 Hypebeast
How do you wear these now? In 2026, the "skinny jeans and a long-line hoodie" look is dead and buried. Thankfully.
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The most common mistake is trying to match too much. You don't need a white and black shirt to match your white and black 11s. That looks like a uniform. Instead, go for contrast. A pair of baggy, raw denim jeans that sit right at the top of the patent leather looks incredible. Or, go full "Tinker" and wear them with a relaxed-fit suit. It’s a bold move, but the 11 is literally the only sneaker that can pull it off without looking like you’re going to a middle school prom.
Keep the socks simple. White crew socks are the standard. Don't try to be cute with patterns. Let the shoe be the loudest thing in the outfit.
The Resale Trap
Buying these is an investment, whether you like it or not. The "Space Jam" 11s are rumored for another run later this year, which usually causes the prices of the Concords and Gratitudes to fluctuate. If you’re looking to buy, don't jump on the first pair you see on a resale app. Check the "Completed Sales" history.
Market cooling in early 2026 has actually made some of these more accessible. You can often find "Gratitudes" for close to retail if you look in the right places. Just watch out for fakes—the "peak" on the back of the patent leather is the biggest giveaway. If that little point on the heel is missing or off-center, run away.
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How to Check if Your 11s are Legit
- The Carbon Fiber: Feel the shank plate under the arch. It should be stiff and have a textured, bumpy feel. If it's smooth plastic, it's a fake.
- The Patent Leather Height: Older retros had a "skinny" patent leather cut. Modern versions (post-2016) have a "high" cut that goes further up the shoe.
- The Box: Jordan 11 boxes are usually specialized. For the Gratitude and Jubilee, the packaging is almost as high-quality as the shoe.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to hunt down a pair, start by deciding which "white and black" you actually want. Do you want the heritage of the Concord mesh, or do you prefer the luxe feel of the Gratitude leather?
Once you decide, check secondary markets like GOAT or eBay (with authenticity guarantee). Look for "New in Box" but don't ignore "VNDS" (Very Near Deadstock) pairs—you can save $50 just because someone wore them once around their living room. Finally, grab some shoe trees. The 11s have a very specific shape, and keeping that shape is the only way to minimize the dreaded toe-box crease over time.
Key Takeaways for 11 Owners
- Identify your model: Check the heel number (23 vs 45) and upper material (mesh vs leather).
- Control the crease: Use plastic shoe inserts when not wearing them to maintain the patent leather's curve.
- Sole protection: If you’re obsessed with the "icy" look, consider sole shields, though they can be slippery on hardwood.
- Check the carbon: Real 11s use a genuine carbon fiber shank; if it bends easily, it’s not the real deal.