It's more formal-looking than a Jordan 1, more “event-ready” than a 3 or 4. The patent leather gives it that dress-shoe vibe. If you love the 11 silhouette, this is a fantastic addition. It feels special, maybe even more so than some of the recent retro+ colorways. Honestly, seeing the "Cherry" colorway in-hand changed my mind. Photos don't capture the depth of that red! On foot, it's confident and clean. Compared to the recent 'Gratitude' 11s, this feels more fun and summery. A solid advantage is how it pairs with neutral fits—lets the shoe shine. Just know, the break-in period is real; the patent leather needs some time to soften up around your foot. On the flip side, who might want to pass? If you're looking for a pure performance basketball shoe in 2023, look elsewhere. Also, if you prefer super muted tones, the vibrant red here might be too much. It’s a loud, proud colorway—not for the faint of heart. Now, a potential "con"? That bright red outsole and patent leather upper can be a bit tricky to keep clean. Also, at $225, it's a premium price—you're paying for the hype and the color story, not groundbreaking tech. If you're all about maximum comfort or subtlety, this might not be your first choice.
