Every year, Jordan Brand releases a special Air Jordan 11 in December — and in 2021 that release will be the classic Air Jordan 11 Cool Grey. Debuted in 2001 and last retroed in 2010, the “Cool Grey” has long enjoyed status as one of the most popular non-OG Air Jordan 11 colorways, and this second retro aims to provide an accurate re-creation of the 2001 original.
Uppers are crafted of signature “Cool Grey” nubuck and given flair by the Air Jordan 11’s iconic patent leather mudguard and toebox, done up in “Medium Grey.” This two-tone grey mixture is offset by thick white rope laces and a white Jumpman logo on the lateral side of the collar. Heel pieces take on “Medium Grey” as well and add Michael Jordan‘s #23 logo, while a fabric Air Jordan tag takes its usual place on the throat. Moving to the shoe’s lower half, white Zoom Air-filled midsoles work with icy blue outsoles to complete the look.
Though it’s been over a decade since the “Cool Grey” last released, its stylings have been kept alive in the interim by alternate makeups like the Air Jordan 11 Low “Cool Grey” and even the golf-ified Air Jordan 11 Low G “Cool Grey.” However, neither of these releases boasted the high prestige — or high cut — of their counterpart, making the return of the original “Cool Grey” a decidedly welcome one.
Look for the Air Jordan 11 “Cool Grey” to release on December 11, retailing for $225 USD
