If you love the OG 11 elegance, this deconstructed look might feel like a mess. It's also not the most versatile sneaker—styling it requires some thought. For some, that's the fun. For others, it's a dealbreaker. The potential downside? For hardcore sneakerheads, the material change is a big deal. The synthetic feel might be a turn-off if you're used to the OG builds. Also, that translucent outsole? It's a "dust magnet" and might yellow just like the retros. It’s not a "forever" shoe in terms of pristine looks, but few Jordans are. Alright, let's get into these "Rare Air Jordan 11s". First off, the box is different, right? More of a standard Jordan Brand box. The shoe itself... the shape is there, the iconic 11 silhouette. This 'Rare Air' version uses more mesh and synthetic leather, so it has a different texture feel straight out of the box. For $225, it's definitely a conversation starter, but let's see how it wears. On foot now, and the feel is... interesting! It's noticeably more flexible than a standard AJ11. The cushioning is decent - not ultra-plush, but comfy for all-day wear. The fit is true to size for me. The weight? So much lighter than the original! That's a "huge" win if you're used to the bulk of the classic 11s. Really changes the wearing experience.
