The Air Jordan XI: The Sneaker Retrospective Series

Many people remember NBA legend Michael Jordan's comeback being based on the second 1995-1998 stint with his Chicago Bulls. For sneaker lovers and Jordan aficionados, they remember his grand entrance in the 1995 playoffs against the Orlando Magic - in those shoes.

The shoes of which are spoken are the equally legendary Air Jordan XI. Constructed by Nike and then-head designer of the Air Jordan series, Tinker Hatfield, the AJ XI was a beautiful combination of elegance and utility.

With an upper made of ballistic mesh and a wraparound rand made entirely of patent leather, the AJ XI enabled the wearer's foot to breathe, while giving support to the whole perimeter of the foot. The shoe itself resembled dress shoes that were fitted with spats, from the styles of the early 20^th century. Jordan himself was said that he wanted a shoe that looked as if he could wear it with a tuxedo (which is what many a high school student did when heading to their respective prom galas).

The AJ XI also featured two other features that were the first of their kind on a sneaker, not unlike the patent leather and ballistic mesh features aforementioned: full-length clear rubber outsoles and carbon fiber plates.