It lives up to the hype for me. The craftsmanship is on point, and they feel great on foot. Are they perfect? No shoe is. But for a classic, iconic silhouette from the Jordan series, they deliver. I'm glad I copped this pair. Comparing it to the recent 'Cherry' or 'Cool Grey' 11s, this 'Gratitude' feels a bit more understated and mature. The lack of a white midsole makes it seem sleeker. It's a different vibe. Within the "Jordan series", the 11 Retro always stands out for its formal-ish basketball aesthetic. It's not as bulky as a 13 or as simple as a 1. It occupies its own unique space. On feet, the design really pops. The patent leather catches the light perfectly for photos and videos. It's a shoe that looks just as good with jeans as it does with shorts. The silhouette is timeless. Compared to other retros like the AJ4 or AJ5, the 11 has this unique, almost dress-shoe elegance to its basketball design. It's a statement piece, for sure. Alright, let's get into these Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Gratitude'! First off, the box is clean, and pulling these out? Man, that patent leather cut is just iconic. The black upper with that white midsole pops so nicely. For $225 USD, the initial quality feels premium. The materials look great on camera, no obvious flaws right out of the gate. It's a classic Jordan series silhouette that never gets old.
