Red sneakers used to be a gamble. Before the Jordan 11 Retro Win Like 96 hit the shelves in December 2017, the idea of a "triple red" XI felt like something you’d only see in a grainy photo of a custom job on a sneaker forum. It was loud. It was aggressive. It was basically a fire engine for your feet.
But it worked.
Most people associate the Air Jordan 11 with the classic "Concord" or the "Bred," but this specific release tapped into something deeper: the sheer dominance of the 1996 Chicago Bulls. We’re talking about a 72-10 regular-season record. A championship ring. A season so legendary that Jordan Brand decided to drench the most iconic silhouette in footwear history in "Gym Red" to celebrate it. Honestly, it shouldn't have been a surprise that these flew off the shelves, but even now, years later, the way they hold their value and their look is kind of wild.
The Design That Broke the Internet (and Our Wallets)
The first thing you notice about the Jordan 11 Retro Win Like 96 is the patent leather. It’s deep. It’s shiny. It’s that signature high-cut mudguard that collectors obsess over because it mimics the original 1995 shape rather than the lower-cut versions we saw in the mid-2000s.
The mesh upper matches the red perfectly. That’s actually harder to do than it sounds. If you look at cheaper sneakers, the "red" on the fabric often looks slightly orange or pink compared to the "red" on the leather. Here? It’s a seamless transition. Then you’ve got the black Jumpman logo on the heel. It pops. It looks like it’s floating against a sea of red.
Underneath, things get icy. The translucent outsole has a slight blue tint—a "cool" contrast to the "hot" upper. It’s a classic Tinker Hatfield move. He designed the XI to look like a tuxedo for the court, but the Win Like 96 turned that tuxedo into a velvet suit. It’s bold, sure, but it isn’t tacky.
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Why the 96 Season Matters So Much
You can't talk about this shoe without talking about the history. 1996 was the year MJ truly reclaimed the throne. After his first retirement and that "I'm Back" stint in 45, the '95-'96 season was a statement. The Bulls weren't just winning; they were embarrassing people.
This sneaker is a physical manifestation of that arrogance—the good kind of arrogance. It represents a team that knew they were better than you before the tip-off. When you wear these, you’re not just wearing a red shoe; you’re wearing the color of a dynasty. It’s basically a championship trophy you can strap to your ankles.
Real Talk: Quality and Wearability
Let's be real for a second. Patent leather is a blessing and a curse. On the Jordan 11 Retro Win Like 96, the material is top-tier, but if you actually plan on walking in these, you have to accept the "crease factor."
It’s going to happen.
If you’re a "keep them in the box" person, you’re fine. But if you’re hitting the pavement, that patent leather is going to develop those tiny lines over the toe box. Some people hate it. I think it gives the shoe character. It shows you actually wear your kicks.
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Comfort-wise? It’s an Air Jordan 11. You’ve got a full-length Air-Sole unit and a carbon fiber spring plate. Even though the tech is decades old, it still feels surprisingly supportive. It’s a bit stiff at first. Give it a few days. Once that carbon fiber breaks in, you’ll get that "bouncy" feeling that made the XI famous in the first place.
Is It Better Than the Win Like 82?
Back in 2017, Jordan Brand released two "Win Like" shoes. The 82 (Navy/University Blue) honored MJ’s college days at North Carolina. The 96 honored the Bulls.
- The 82 is for the "low-key" crowd. It’s subtle.
- The 96 is for the "look at me" crowd. It’s loud.
In terms of resale and long-term hype, the 96 usually edges it out. There’s just something about a red Jordan 11. It’s a "grail" status colorway for a reason. Red is the DNA of the brand.
How to Spot Fakes in 2026
Since this shoe is a few years old now, the market is flooded with "UA" (unauthorized authentic) and high-tier fakes. If you’re buying a pair today, you have to be careful.
Check the heel "23." On a real pair, it’s printed clearly and shouldn't look stretched or thin. Look at the "icy" sole. Real pairs from 2017 will likely have a tiny bit of yellowing by now unless they were kept in a vacuum-sealed bag. If the sole is bright, neon blue? That’s a red flag. Oxidation is a natural part of the aging process for the Jordan 11 Retro Win Like 96.
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Also, smell them. I know it sounds weird. But that factory glue smell on fakes is distinct—it’s sharp and chemical. Real Jordans have a specific, "new shoe" scent that’s harder to replicate.
Stylistic Advice for the Bold
How do you wear a shoe this red without looking like a mascot?
Keep the rest of your outfit muted. Black jeans. A grey hoodie. Let the shoes do the heavy lifting. If you wear a red shirt, red pants, and red shoes, you look like you’re trying too hard. You want the sneakers to be the exclamation point at the end of the sentence, not the whole book.
They look great with joggers too. Because of the high-cut patent leather, you want pants that taper at the ankle so you don't hide the best part of the shoe.
Actionable Maintenance Steps
If you’ve got a pair or you’re about to pull the trigger on StockX or GOAT, here is how you keep them alive:
- Get a Patent Leather Cleaner: Don't just use water. Patent leather can streak. A dedicated cleaner keeps the shine without the residue.
- Use Shoe Trees: This is non-negotiable for 11s. It helps minimize the deepening of creases in the patent leather when you aren't wearing them.
- Avoid Puddles: That icy blue sole will turn "piss yellow" faster than you can blink if it gets soaked and stays dirty. Wipe the bottoms after every wear.
- Check the Carbon Fiber: Run your nail across the shank plate on the bottom. It should feel textured and slightly bumpy. If it’s smooth plastic, you’ve got a fake.
The Jordan 11 Retro Win Like 96 isn't just a sneaker; it's a piece of 90s nostalgia wrapped in modern materials. It’s a reminder of a time when the Bulls were untouchable and Michael Jordan was less of a man and more of a global phenomenon. Whether you're a collector or just someone who wants a standout pair for the rotation, this shoe is a foundational piece of culture. It’s aggressive, it’s bright, and it’s exactly what a championship sneaker should be.