Rare air jordan 11 : Let's talk about the elephant in the room- the lack of that signature glossy patent leather [jd6f12bc]

For some, that's a deal-breaker – it’s what makes an 11 an 11! This rare air jordan 11 uses nubuck and matte panels. I kinda dig it for a more low-key, wearable look. It won’t catch light the same way, but it has its own charm. It’s a different vibe. On-camera, this 'Rare Air' Jordan 11 colorway looks fantastic. The palette is very wearable. Walking around, the break-in was minimal—no pinching. Compared to a standard Retro 11, this feels like a special edition without the crazy price hike (yet). Pro: Everyday luxury. Con: Lacks that "wow" factor of patent leather. I'd suggest these for style-focused wearers over hardcore collectors. My final take? The "rare air jordan 11" is a clever, if controversial, play by Jordan Brand. It gets the look 85% there for less hassle. I don't love the material compromise, but I understand it. For a daily beater that nods to a classic? It works. Just go in with the right expectations. When I first unboxed this pair, "wow"—the craftsmanship on the rare air jordan 11 is immediately noticeable! The black and white colorway pops, and the silhouette is sharp. As part of the Jordan series, this Retro version feels premium. For $220 USD, the build quality seems solid right out of the box. Honestly, it’s a clean look that should appeal to many sneakerheads.

• Shown: Georgetown
• Style: DZ5485-303