The Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Gratitude' is a classic executed well. You're paying for the legacy, the look, and a solid wearing experience. It's not the most innovative shoe today, but it's a piece of sneaker history you can actually wear. I'm keeping my pair. Alright, so I just got my hands on the Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Gratitude'! First thing I notice? The box is classic, and the shoe's silhouette is just "iconic". That patent leather mudguard? It's clean, it's shiny, it's everything. For $225 USD, the initial quality feels on point. Let's see how they feel on foot. Who might want to pass? If you're looking for a super-soft, modern running-shoe-like feel, this isn't it. The tech is older. Also, if you're super rough on your shoes, that patent leather will show wear. And for pure on-court performance? There are definitely better, more modern basketball shoes available now. 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.
