You know that feeling when you see a pair of shoes and instantly think of a specific moment in time? For anyone who grew up watching basketball in the nineties, the jordan retro 11 black and red—or the "Bred" 11 as most of us call it—is basically a time machine. It’s not just patent leather and carbon fiber. It's the 72-10 season. It's MJ crying on the floor of the locker room on Father’s Day in 1996. It’s arguably the greatest sneaker ever made, and honestly, even decades later, nothing else really comes close to that specific mix of grit and high-end luxury.
Sneakers come and go. Trends die. But this shoe? It stays.
The Design That Changed Everything
Tinker Hatfield is a genius. We know this. But when he designed the Jordan 11, he was actually told to stop. Nike thought Michael Jordan was done with basketball after his first retirement. They didn't think a signature line for a baseball player made sense. Tinker didn't listen. He kept working in the shadows, fueled by the idea that MJ would eventually come back. He wanted a shoe that looked like a tuxedo but performed like a tank.
The most iconic part is obviously that shiny mudguard. Before the Jordan 11, patent leather was for prom shoes and weddings. It wasn't for the hardwood. But Hatfield realized that patent leather was stiffer than traditional grain leather, which meant it kept Michael’s foot locked in place during those hard cuts to the basket. It was functional art.
Then you have the ballistic nylon mesh upper. It’s tough. It’s breathable. It doesn't crease the same way leather does, which is why your old pair might still look decent if you’ve taken care of them. Underneath it all sits that translucent red outsole and the carbon fiber shank plate. If you flip the shoe over, that carbon fiber looks like something off a Formula 1 car. In 1996, that was space-age tech.
Why the Jordan Retro 11 Black and Red Matters
Context is everything in the sneaker world. You can have a cool design, but without a story, it’s just plastic and foam. The jordan retro 11 black and red has the best story in sports history.
Michael Jordan wore these during the 1996 playoffs. He had just come back for his first full season after his hiatus. The Bulls were a buzzsaw, destroying everyone in their path. When they finally beat the Seattle SuperSonics in the Finals, it was a heavy moment. It was the first title he won after his father, James Jordan, had passed away.
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That image of MJ in the "Bred" 11s, face down on the carpet, clutching the ball? That’s burned into the collective memory of every sports fan.
The Evolution of the Retro
Nike knows exactly what they have with this shoe. They don't release it every year because they want to keep the hunger alive. Usually, we see a "Bred" 11 drop once every seven years or so.
- The OG release happened in 1996.
- We saw the first retro in 2001.
- Then the famous "Countdown Pack" version in 2008 (which had the Jumpman facing the other way on one shoe).
- The 2012 release was madness. People were literally breaking down mall doors for those.
- The 2019 version is what most collectors consider the "definitive" retro because it brought back the high-cut patent leather and the "23" on the heel that looked closer to the 1996 original.
Honestly, the 2019 pair is the one you want if you're buying today. The shape is better. The materials feel more premium. It doesn't feel like a cheap knockoff of the past; it feels like the past brought back to life.
Spotting the Real Deal vs. The Fakes
The secondary market is a minefield. Because the jordan retro 11 black and red is so high in demand, the "super fakes" are everywhere. If you're looking to buy a pair from a reseller or a site like eBay, you have to be a bit of a detective.
Check the carbon fiber first. Real carbon fiber has a distinct texture and a slight "ping" when you tap it with your fingernail. If it feels like flat, painted plastic, run away. Look at the "23" on the heel. On a real pair, it should be centered and the printing shouldn't look like it's peeling off easily. The patent leather height is another big giveaway. The 2019 retros have a much higher cut of patent leather compared to the 2012 version. If the shiny part looks too thin or "skimpy," it might be an older retro or a bad fake.
Also, look at the "toe box." It shouldn't be boxy or squared off. It should have a nice, sleek curve. Fake manufacturers often struggle with the silhouette's transition from the toe to the laces.
How to Wear the Bred 11 Without Looking Like a Middle Schooler
This is where people get tripped up. The Jordan 11 is a "loud" shoe. It’s shiny. It’s red and black. It demands attention.
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If you're wearing them with super baggy jeans that stack all over the shoe, you're hiding the best part. Most people go with a tapered jogger or a slim-fit chino. You want the hem of your pants to sit just at the top of the shoe or slightly above it.
Surprisingly, these actually work with formal wear—sorta. I mean, Boyz II Men famously wore them with white suits at the Grammys. If you’re going to pull that off, the suit needs to be tailored perfectly. Otherwise, stick to basics. A clean black hoodie and some dark denim lets the jordan retro 11 black and red do the talking.
The Performance Myth
Can you play basketball in these? Sure. Should you? Probably not.
By modern standards, the Jordan 11 is heavy. The cushioning—a full-length Air unit—is comfortable for walking, but it feels "dead" compared to modern Zoom Air or React foam. The traction is okay, but that translucent rubber picks up dust like a vacuum cleaner. If you're on a dusty local gym court, you'll be sliding around like you're on ice. Keep these for the streets. Use your LeBrons or KDs for the actual game.
Maintenance Is Not Optional
If you own these, you need to be careful. The red translucent outsole is prone to "oxidation," though it’s much less noticeable on the red soles than it is on the "Concord" or "Columbia" versions. Still, dirt is the enemy.
- Wipe the patent leather after every wear. A simple microfiber cloth does wonders.
- Don't use harsh chemicals on the mesh. A soft brush and some mild soap are all you need.
- Use shoe trees. The 11 is notorious for losing its shape around the ankle if it's just tossed in a closet.
- Store them in a cool, dry place. Humidity kills the glue that holds the sole to the upper.
Moving Forward With Your Collection
The jordan retro 11 black and red isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in a piece of cultural history. Whether you're a "one to wash, one to rock" kind of person or just someone who wants that one perfect pair of Jordans, this is the gold standard.
If you are looking to buy right now, check the 2019 "Playoff" release. It’s widely available on reputable resale platforms and offers the best build quality we've seen in years. Make sure to verify the seller's authenticity guarantee. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true—because in the world of Jordan 11s, they usually are. Once you have them in hand, take a moment to appreciate the carbon fiber and the way the light hits that patent leather. It’s a masterpiece for a reason.
Stick to reputable marketplaces like GOAT or StockX, or use the eBay Authenticity Guarantee to ensure you aren't getting burned. If you're buying used, ask for photos of the size tag and the footbed. Genuine pairs will have a specific font and spacing that fakes almost always mess up. Keep your pair out of direct sunlight to prevent the red from fading over time, and always keep the original box—it adds significant value if you ever decide to trade up in the future.