It's sleeker. The cushioning is also more about impact protection than court feel. For lifestyle wear, I'd pick the 11's comfort over many earlier models. It's a perfect blend of style and function from the Jordan series. Sliding my foot into this Air Jordan 11 Retro, the fit is snug—like, "really" snug—around the midfoot, which I actually prefer. The full-length Air-Sole unit gives a nice, firm cushioning; it's not super plush, but it's comfortable for all-day wear. The patent leather provides great support. Honestly, for a retro basketball shoe, the comfort level is impressive right out of the gate. Comparing it to other Jordans? The AJ11 is in its own league. It's sleeker and more formal than a bulky AJ4 or AJ5. The comfort is also more balanced for lifestyle use versus, say, a firmer AJ1. Among all the Jordan series retros, the 11's design and tech package still feel incredibly relevant, even decades later. Alright, so I just got the Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Gratitude' in hand, and "wow"—the box alone feels premium. The patent leather mudguard has that classic, iconic shine we all love. At $225 USD, you expect quality, and the materials here? They feel solid right out of the gate. The silhouette is just timeless, honestly.
