Overview
Summary
The Air Jordan 11 “Bred Velvet” is a women’s exclusive release that dropped on November 11, 2024, for $230. This unique iteration takes the iconic “Bred” colorway and reimagines it with a plush velvet upper, creating a luxurious twist on the classic silhouette. The shoe maintains the beloved black and red color scheme but introduces a new texture that sets it apart from previous releases.
Story
Originally worn by Michael Jordan during the 1995-1996 NBA season, the black and red or “Bred” Air Jordan 11 has a storied history in sneaker culture. Now, Jordan Brand is giving us a luxe twist on that classic. It’s not the first time they’ve played with velvet – remember the “Night Maroon” in 2016 and “Midnight Navy” in 2022? But this time, they’re touching the sacred “Bred” colorway, and it’s got sneakerheads buzzing.
Style
The “Bred Velvet” Jordan 11 maintains the silhouette’s sleek profile while introducing a new texture that dramatically alters its appearance. The shoe features a solid black velvet upper, which replaces the traditional ballistic mesh and patent leather combination. This change gives the sneaker a more formal, luxurious look that could easily transition from casual wear to more upscale settings. Without the patent leather mudguard, these kicks look smoother than ever. It’s a bold move, but it pays off. The velvet material adds depth and dimension to the shoe, catching light differently than the traditional materials and potentially changing its appearance slightly depending on the viewing angle.
Sole Unit
Don’t worry, Jordan Brand hasn’t messed with what works. You’ve still got that white midsole and icy red outsole combo that makes the “Bred” 11 so iconic. The full-length Air cushioning is there too, ready to keep you comfy whether you’re on the court or on the town. That carbon fiber plate? Still there, giving you that stability the 11s are known for. It’s like the best of both worlds – luxury up top, performance down below.
Are they comfortable?
These should feel like your typical Jordan 11. The plush velvet should make them even more flexible right out of the box. Velvet isn’t breathable, but neither is patent leather. The velvet may run a little hotter than your standard Jordan 11, but these aren’t really to hoop in unlike the performance model.
Bottom Line
The Air Jordan 11 “Bred Velvet” represents a bold reimagining of one of the most iconic sneakers in history. By applying a luxurious velvet treatment to the beloved “Bred” colorway, Jordan Brand has created a unique offering that bridges the gap between high-fashion and street style. But let’s be honest – they’re not for everyone. The $230 price tag is steep, and some folks might find the velvet a bit too high-maintenance. Die-hard Jordan purists might see this as messing with perfection. At the end of the day, these shoes are all about making a statement. If you’re the kind of person who likes to stand out and doesn’t mind a little extra attention (and care) for your kicks, these could be your new favorite. But if you prefer your Jordans classic and fuss-free, you might want to sit this one out.
