Sneakerheads around the world are on high alert as Nike recently announced the return of the Air Jordan 11 Retro Legend Blue. It is one of the most iconic and sought-after models from the Jordan brand. The sneaker is based on the shoe Michael Jordan displayed during the 1996 NBA All-Star game and is all set to release on December 14, 2024.

The Air Jordan 11 Retro Legend Blue is based on the 1996 Jordan 11 ‘Columbia’ first worn by Michael Jordan during the 1996 NBA All-Star Game. It has a huge significance in the career of the Black Cat. After two years of absence from the All-Star weekend, he chased his baseball dream. 1996 marked MJ’s return. As Jordan took center stage among superstars, every eye was on him. This was the perfect time to display the new sneaker that had been in the works.

The game also featured one of the most iconic All-Star uniforms ever. The teal-heavy design was inspired by San Antonio fiestas and was highlighted by large chili pepper logos. The primary white sneaker was a perfect contrast to the Eastern Conference uniform. Also, the secondary color, which was a representation of his time with the North Carolina Tarheels, was a close match to the hue.

In the game, Michael Jordan played 22 minutes and had some impressive plays to clinch the MVP award on his return to the biggest stage. It was as if he had never been away. Ever since that night, the Jordan 11s have been part of NBA history. In 2001, Jordan 11 made its comeback in a Retro version for the first time. The Jordan brand dubbed it the ‘Legend Blue’. This colorway has been released a handful of times since then, including in 2001, 2014, and 2018 in the form of a baseball cleat.

However, it is to be noted that the Jordan Brand has yet to confirm the December 14, 2024 release.

WATCH THIS STORY – First Peek At Michael Jordan And Denny Hamlin’s $16 Million Investment

One of Michael Jordan’s favorite sneakers

The Air Jordan 11s were once voted as the greatest sneaker ever made by millions of fans in a poll conducted by Sole Collector. Notably, this was also reportedly Michael Jordan’s favorite shoe. The 6x NBA champion has sported them on multiple occasions in recent years.

The sneaker’s style did not follow the conventional shoe designs of the 90s. It’s often credited with inspiring a new era of sneaker design. Interestingly, legendary designer Tinker Hatfield once talked about the Jordan 11s. Hatfield said, “The 11 is probably the most remarkable shoe, yes. It was a bold approach to use new materials and new technologies. We worked really hard on 11, and Michael liked it too much.”

Trending

Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era

May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT

“Jordan Slipping Him Cash”: Fans Join In as Magic Johnson Slams Stephen A. Smith for Leaving Isiah Thomas Out of His List

May 18, 2024 03:30 PM EDT

La La Anthony, Coco Gauff, and More Join to Celebrate Angel Reese’s LSU Celebration as She Slaps Back at GPA Critics

May 18, 2024 09:33 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian

May 19, 2024 06:38 AM EDT

Angel Reese Rejuvenates Allen Iverson’s Legacy Through Ties With $2.5 Billion Worth Brand

May 18, 2024 03:28 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

In fact, the sneaker is so popular that the brand has dropped a pair every December since 2008. At that time, sneaker releases on such a large scale were rare. One reason was that sneakers weren’t as popular back then. But the bigger reason was the economic recession. Flu Game 12s dropped and the Varsity Red Air Jordan 6 went on sale in 2009 and were hits. Then 2010 was a big year for the brand. It was the 25th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1. The brand celebrated its Silver Anniversary, and many expected a 1-23 release of all-white or silver Jordans. But that’s not what happened. Instead, four sneakers were in all-white and one in silver.

Are the Jordan 11s your favorite sneaker like millions of other fans including the 6x NBA champion himself? Let us know in the comments.

Michael Jordan Targets Lost Sanctuary in Riveting New Commerical for $5.2 Billion Revenue Brand