.. it's a different beast. The Rare Air uses more synthetic materials, which makes it lighter and arguably more durable for beaters. You sacrifice some of that luxurious feel, sure, but for $180 vs. the $225+ for retros, the Air Jordan 11 Rare Air presents a compelling value argument for just rocking the silhouette. Comparing it to my other J's? The "Rare Air" sits "somewhere" between a retro and a lifestyle model. It's "not" as performance-oriented as, say, a Jordan 38, and it doesn't have the "heft" or prestige of a true 11 retro. But for $210? It's a "much" more accessible price point to get that legendary 11 profile in your rotation. A "practical" alternative. On-camera, the 'Rare Air' details really stand out. The lack of that high-gloss shine gives it a totally different texture - it's unique! Stepping back, it's undeniably an 11, but with its own character. For the Jordan series, it's a cool alternative. Just don't expect the exact same 'wow' factor when you unbox it, compared to a Concord or Bred. Big pro here: "everyday comfort". The mesh upper and softer structure make these way easier to wear for hours compared to stiffer retros. You get that iconic Jordan 11 silhouette without the break-in period. For the price, that's a huge plus for a lot of people.
