The all-black Air Jordan XI with the icy soles and hits of royal blue will always be called the “Space Jam”, as it is commonly connected with the 1996 movie that featured MJ in an intergalactic basketball game with the Monstars in a battle for the universe. However, the upcoming release of the Air Jordan 11, which is revealed to have “45” on the heel, Nike Air branding on the insole, and an “OG” style cut of the patent leather mudguard, should point to another iconic moment in Jordan sneaker lore.
Above: Michael Jordan wearing the black/blue Air Jordan XI, featuring “45” on the heel
As stated earlier, the Space Jam film was released in November of 1996, but Jordan originally debuted the shoe over a year before that date. Based on the details that have leaked out in recent days, it’s clear that the upcoming release is modeled after the first sample that Jordan wore in 1995. The mis-matched “45” on the shoes and the “23” on Jordan’s jersey during that game was further proof that switching back to his old number was truly a spur-of-the-moment thing, which led to a hefty fine from the league (we know Jordan is used to fines).
Above: The Air Jordan XI “Space Jam” PE made for Michael Jordan, with an embroidered “23” on the heel
The shoes first released to the public four years later in 2000 as a Retro, and although they released with the number 23 on the heel, there were samples that featured “45” on the back instead. The following 2009 release also featured the same “23” as well. That said, the upcoming December 17th release of the Air Jordan XI is more of a tribute to the unforgettable first-look of the shoes rather than the film that debuted more than a year later, but for all intents and purposes, these will be dubbed the “Space Jam” Jordans and the brand itself will likely push the Space Jam theme with accompanying apparel and other goodies.
Above: NBC’s Ahmad Rashad giving us a first-look at the new Air Jordan XI with ’45” on heel
