If you hate any possibility of creasing on your sneakers, the patent leather might stress you out. Also, if you prefer ultra-plush, modern sneaker comfort like from Nike React, the 11's firmer ride might not be your favorite. Alright, so I just got the Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Gratitude' in hand. First off, the box is clean and the shoe... man, the patent leather cut is just iconic, you know? The black upper with that white midsole pops so hard. For $225 USD, the initial quality feels premium. Let's get these on feet. Comparing it to other Jordans? The Air Jordan 11 Retro has a dressier vibe than, say, a bulkier AJ4 or a lower-cut AJ1. The cushioning is also much softer than the 1s. For all-day comfort, these or the AJ13s are my top picks from the line. This model just has a unique place—it's a performance icon that became a style staple. On feet, the Air Jordan 11 Retro just has a presence. The way the patent leather catches the light is "everything" for the camera. It elevates a simple jeans-and-tee fit instantly. Compared to, say, a Jordan 1, the 11 has a more refined, almost dress-shoe silhouette that really stands out. It's a shoe that gets compliments every single time.
