White Black and Red Jordan 11: What Most People Get Wrong

When you think about the Chicago Bulls colors, your brain probably defaults to three things: MJ’s shrug, championship rings, and that lethal combination of white, black, and red. But if you walk into a sneaker shop and ask for a "white black and red Jordan 11," you might get a confused look. Not because the shoe doesn't exist, but because in the world of Jordan 11s, that specific color palette is split between two absolute titans that don't really like sharing the spotlight.

People mess this up all the time.

They’re usually thinking of the "Bred" (Black and Red) or the "Concord" (which is mostly white and black). But then there’s the "Win Like 96" and the "Cherry" lows. It’s a mess of patent leather and nostalgia. Honestly, if you're trying to track down a pair today, you’ve got to know which version of the Chicago story you’re actually trying to wear.

The Identity Crisis of the White Black and Red Jordan 11

Basically, the white black and red Jordan 11 isn't just one shoe. It’s a category. If you want the "home" vibes—the clean, crisp white look Michael Jordan wore during the 1995-96 season—you’re looking at different iterations than if you want the "away" or playoff aggressiveness.

✨ Don't miss: Ombu Black Ops Mask: Why This Tactical Gear Is Dominating Your Feed

For most collectors, the conversation starts with the Win Like 96. This released back in 2017 and it was a massive deal. It took that Gym Red and plastered it across the entire patent leather and mesh upper. It has a white midsole that pops like crazy against the red, and a black Jumpman logo on the heel. It’s the "loudest" version of the trio.

Then you have the Jordan 11 Retro Low Cherry. These are the ones that actually lead with a white leather upper but use a vibrant red patent leather mudguard. They first dropped in 2001 and came back in 2016. They feel lighter. More like a summer shoe. You’ve probably seen them at every backyard BBQ for the last decade.

But wait. There’s the Playoff 11, aka the Bred.

This is the holy grail for a lot of people. It’s mostly black and red, but it has that essential white midsole that defines the silhouette. Tinker Hatfield—the legend who designed these while everyone thought MJ was done with basketball—knew exactly what he was doing. He used the white midsole to break up the "menacing" look of the black upper. It’s the shoe Mike wore when he won his fourth ring on Father’s Day in 1996. The image of him crying on the locker room floor? He’s wearing these.

Why the Patent Leather Still Matters in 2026

It’s weird to think about now, but back in the mid-90s, putting shiny leather on a basketball shoe was considered insane. People thought it was a gimmick.

Hatfield actually sourced the patent leather because it was more functional than regular leather. It didn't stretch as much. When Michael made those hard cuts on the court, the patent leather acted like a seatbelt for his foot. It kept him locked in. Today, we just love it because it looks like a tuxedo. It’s the only sneaker you can wear to a wedding without looking like you gave up on life.

If you're looking at a pair of white black and red Jordan 11s today, the quality of that patent leather is the first thing you’ll notice. The 2019 "Bred" retro brought back the "high-cut" patent leather, which is closer to the 1996 original. Earlier retros had a thinner, lower-cut mudguard that some purists hated. It’s a tiny detail, but it’s the difference between a $300 shoe and a $500 one on the resale market.

Real Talk on the "Chicago" 11s

• Win Like 96: Best for people who want the red to be the main character. It's bold. It's impossible to miss.
• Cherry Lows: The "lifestyle" choice. White mesh, red shine, icy soles. Great with shorts.
• Breds: The historian's choice. Black upper, red outsole, white midsole. It’s the most "serious" sneaker in the lineup.
• Platinum Tint: Often overlooked, but it uses a sail/white upper with red accents and black piping. It’s the "distilled" version of the Chicago colors.

How to Tell if Yours are Real (The 2026 Check)

The market is flooded with fakes. Since the Jordan 11 is arguably the most popular sneaker ever made, the "reps" have gotten scary good.

Don't just look at the colors. Look at the carbon fiber. If you flip the shoe over, there’s a shank plate under the clear outsole. On a real pair, it should feel like textured, bumpy stone—not smooth plastic. If you tap it with your fingernail and it sounds "hollow" or "tink-y," you’ve got a problem.

Also, check the "23" on the heel. On newer retros, that 23 is printed on. If it’s crooked or feels like it’s going to peel off with a thumbnail flick, it’s a red flag. The Jumpman logo should also have fingers. If the "Leaping Man" looks like he’s holding a club instead of a basketball, keep your money in your pocket.

Styling These Without Looking Like a 2012 Hypebeast

We’ve all seen it. The guy in the full red tracksuit matching his white black and red Jordan 11s perfectly. Don't be that guy. It’s too much.

Because these shoes are so busy—especially the versions with red patent leather—you want the rest of your outfit to be quiet. Black jeans are the safest bet. It lets the red on the soles or the mudguard do the talking. If you're wearing the Cherry Lows, try some light-wash denim or even grey mesh shorts.

One thing people get wrong? The socks.

If you're wearing 11s, go with a high-quality crew sock. No-show socks with 11s make the shoe look bulky and weird, like a cast on your foot. A clean white or black Nike crew sock is the industry standard for a reason. It balances the "heaviness" of the patent leather.

The Maintenance Nightmare (And How to Fix It)

You have to realize that the white midsole on these shoes is a magnet for dirt. And the red outsoles? They will eventually turn a muddy brown if you aren't careful.

The biggest enemy of the white black and red Jordan 11 is "yellowing." Even though the red outsoles hide it better than the clear ones on the Concords, the white midsole can still get dingy. Use a dedicated sneaker cleaner—not dish soap. Dish soap can actually dry out the glue holding the patent leather to the sole.

If you scuff the patent leather, don't panic. A little bit of non-acetone nail polish remover on a cotton swab can sometimes buff out minor marks, but be gentle. You’re dealing with a plastic coating over leather. Once you rip it, there’s no "fixing" it back to original condition.

Is the Hype Finally Dying?

Honestly? No.

Every December, Jordan Brand drops an 11. It’s a tradition. Even with the rise of the Jordan 4 and the constant flux of Yeezy restocks, the 11 remains the king of the "big gift" sneakers. The white black and red variants specifically stay high in value because they are the "Bulls" colors. They never go out of style because the 90s Bulls aesthetic is essentially the blueprint for modern streetwear.

Whether you're hunting for the "Win Like 96" or the classic "Bred," you're buying a piece of structural engineering that happens to look like a sports car. Just make sure you know which one you’re actually looking for before you hit "buy" on a resale app.

Next Steps for Your Collection:

1. Check the Style Code: If you’re buying used, look for code 378037-623 for the "Win Like 96" or 378037-061 for the 2019 "Breds" to ensure you're getting the right release year.
2. Verify the Carbon Fiber: Before wearing them out, do the "tap test" on the midfoot shank to ensure it’s real carbon fiber and not painted plastic.
3. Invest in Crease Protectors: If you hate the "smile" line that forms across the toe box of the patent leather, grab a pair of plastic inserts; just know they’ll make the shoe feel about a half-size smaller.