First thing out of the box? That patent leather shine is just... iconic, man. The build quality feels solid, and the mix of that black nubuck with the shiny overlays? It's a clean, classic look. Honestly, it's hard not to be impressed right away. This is that Jordan series magic. However, I gotta be real about a potential con. That patent leather? It "will" crease. It's just part of the deal with the Air Jordan 11 Retro. If you're someone who hates any sign of wear on your kicks, this might bother you. Also, the traction pattern can pick up dust on indoor floors. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's something to know before you cop for $225. Who might want to skip it? If you're on a tight budget, there are more affordable retro options. 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 itself? The patent leather cut is "super" crisp on this pair. The mix of black, white, and that metallic gold hits different in person. For $225 USD, the initial quality impression is strong. Let's get these on feet.
