Michael Jordan’s ’90s Playoffs Sneaker Is Coming Back as a Women’s Exclusive
Updating a classic, fan-favorite sneaker can be challenging. Some changes are met with open arms, while others don’t quite connect with consumers the same way the original shoes did. It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out for one of this holiday season’s upcoming Air Jordan 11 releases, which just got its first look.
The Air Jordan 11 “Bred Velvet” reimagines Michael Jordan’s 1996 NBA Playoffs sneakers with a feminine edge. Gone are the model’s traditional patent leather mudguard and ballistic nylon upper, both of which are replaced with a full black velvet construction.
The plush pair retains its red detailing on the translucent outsole, tongue label and heel Jumpman logo, which swaps its usual embroidery for a raised metallic look. Although the shoe looks considerably different without its signature patent leather, the velour-like material is luxurious in its own right, so it’s hard to consider this a downgrade.
Jordan’s eleventh signature sneaker was released throughout 1995 and 1996, with the black-and-red “Bred” style arriving in April of ’96. Sometimes nicknamed “Playoffs,” the “Bred” Air Jordan 11 was worn by Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ ’96 championship win over the Seattle Supersonics. Since the original, the pair has been rereleased in 2001, 2008 (as part of a two-sneaker “Countdown Pack”), 2012 and 2019.
Other recent Air Jordan reworkings of note include this year’s Air Jordan 4 “Bred Reimagined” and the upcoming Air Jordan 1 High “Black Toe Reimagined.” Both of those pairs have a large amount of fanfare, but not every reimagined style has been as well received. 2021’s “Patent Bred” Air Jordan 1 High can be purchased now for only slightly more than its original price, while the suede-based “Royal Reimagined” Air Jordan 1 High from 2023 is actually available for less than its retail price.
In related news, the Air Jordan 11 Low “Bred,” which was once a player exclusive for Jordan himself, is reportedly being released in 2025.
The Air Jordan 11 “Bred Velvet” will be released exclusively in women’s sizing with an expected launch on Nov. 11 and a retail price of $230. Its SKU is DB5457-061 and its full colorway is “Black/Gym Red/White.”