story

"So fellas, we're all together today to talk about the AJ 11 'Cool Grey'".

"Hi, my name is Charles Alagar. I'm a footwear tech developer in Jordan Flight, which also encompasses AJ 1, Retro, Remix and 23 E.
I'm Leah Nagengast, and I'm the material design director for the Flight category and Jordan Brand".

"Hi, my name is Eric Sandy, colour design director for Jordan Brand, over on our Flight category. It is the 20th anniversary of the 'Cool Grey' 11. The importance of the shoe is so massive.
We always try to put our best foot forward when it comes to the 11 ..."

"... because we know the importance of it. I think this is a good example of where it was in its original state versus where it is today, and how we poured some more quality in that premium nature that we always try to bring within Jordan as well".

"What are you guys' first memories of the Air Jordan 11?
I remember seeing MJ on court, the black socks, patent 'Bred' 11. I was blown away. I'm like, wow. I wanted a pair".

"The connection that people, kids, full-grown adults tend to have to the model in general is pretty special for sure. My job as a footwear tech developer is essentially to bring this product to life ..."

"... based on the colour design, based on the material design. We want to make sure it's manufacturable. You can't have good colour without good material. Colour and material definitely go hand in hand".

"Looking at the shoe here, the OG, where do you see the evolution as compared to the 2021 version? One of the challenges and fun part of what we do is finding the right space from a colour standard standpoint".

"This is really about trying to find that balance of what the original colours actually looked like, aside from what they actually look like today".

"When you really hone in, again, on the details here, you fine tuned the colour here, so that it'll naturally patina with age".

"We really tried to evolve and elevate the 11 too. It's something we've been trying to do for, I think, the last three or four years since we went to into remastering, re-engineering".

"It's another part of, I think, what Jordan Brand represents—quality, elevated game and elevated shoes".

Behind the Design: Air Jordan 11 'Cool Grey'