The thing about the Jordan Concord 11 low is that it feels like a cheat code for looking good without actually trying. You know that feeling when you put on a pair of shoes and suddenly your whole fit just... works? That's this shoe. But there’s a weird amount of confusion floating around about where this shoe came from and why it looks the way it does.
Honestly, if you ask a casual fan, they’ll tell you the low-top version is just a modern "shrunken" take on the legendary high-top. They're wrong. Sorta.
The story actually goes back to 1996. While the rest of the world was losing their minds over the original high-top Concords, Michael Jordan was spotted wearing a very specific, very rare low-top PE (Player Exclusive) during the Bulls’ championship parade. For years, that pair was a myth. It was the sneaker equivalent of a Bigfoot sighting. We didn't get a proper retail release of the Jordan Concord 11 low until May 2014, nearly two decades after MJ first teased us with them.
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The Tuxedo of Sneakers That Actually Breathes
Tinker Hatfield, the mad scientist behind most of the best Jordans, famously designed the 11 to look like a tuxedo. He wanted something that could handle a fast break but also wouldn't look out of place at a gala. He used patent leather—a first for basketball shoes—because MJ wanted something "shiny."
But here’s the kicker: the low-top version changes the vibe completely.
On the high-top, that black patent leather is massive. It dominates the silhouette. On the Jordan Concord 11 low, the cut of the patent leather is slightly different, and because there’s no ankle collar, the white ballistic mesh gets more room to breathe. It’s less "I'm here to win a ring" and more "I'm heading to a summer BBQ but I still might dunk on you."
- The Upper: It’s that classic white ballistic mesh. It’s tough, it doesn't crease like leather, and it stays white if you treat it right.
- The Patent Leather: Deep, inky black. It wraps around the entire shoe, acting as a mudguard.
- The "Concord" Part: A lot of people think the shoe is just black and white. Look at the bottom. Those pods on the outsole? They’re actually a specific shade of dark purple. That's "Concord."
- The Sole: Icy blue translucent rubber. It looks incredible on day one, though we all know the struggle of it turning yellow over time.
Why the 2014 Release Changed Everything
Before 2014, if you wanted a low-top 11, you usually had to settle for the "IE" versions. You know the ones—they have the elephant print and the mesh vents on the side. They’re cool, sure, but they aren't the 11.
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When the Jordan Concord 11 low finally dropped for the public, it was total mayhem. It featured the exact same materials as the high-top: the carbon fiber shank plate, the full-length Air unit, and that iconic branding. It wasn't a "budget" version. It was a 1:1 translation of the greatest basketball shoe ever made into a summer-friendly package.
I remember seeing people line up for these in 90-degree heat. It made sense. You’ve got the prestige of the Concord colorway without the bulkiness of a high-top that makes your ankles sweat in July.
Spotting the Fakes in 2026
Because this is one of the most popular sneakers on the planet, the market is flooded with "reps." And honestly? Some of them are getting scary good. But they almost always mess up the small stuff.
If you’re hunting for a pair on the resale market right now, check the "23" on the heel. On a real pair, the numbers are thick and slightly rounded. Fakes often have numbers that look too skinny or stretched out. Also, look at the transition where the patent leather meets the midsole. It should be a sharp, clean line. If it looks jagged or like the glue is seeping out, run.
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The carbon fiber is another dead giveaway. Real Jordan 11s use a 3D, textured carbon fiber shank. Fakes often use a flat plastic piece with a printed-on checkerboard pattern. Run your finger over it. If it’s smooth as glass, it’s not real.
Is It Still Worth the Hype?
Look, prices on StockX and GOAT for a deadstock pair of the 2014 Jordan Concord 11 low are usually hovering in the $350 to $500 range depending on the size. That’s a lot of money for a shoe that's over a decade old.
But here’s the thing about the Concord 11 low—it’s timeless. It’s one of the few sneakers that looks just as good with a pair of tailored chinos as it does with gym shorts. It’s a piece of history you can actually wear.
If you’re worried about the soles yellowing—which they will—just embrace it. That "aged" look is actually pretty popular right now. Or, you know, get some sole protector film.
How to Keep Them Fresh
- Don't use harsh chemicals on the patent leather. A damp microfiber cloth is usually enough.
- Stuff the toes. Patent leather doesn't crease as easily as calfskin, but once it does, those creases are permanent. Keep the shoe trees in them.
- Wipe the outsoles. Dirt and moisture are what cause that icy blue to turn into "piss yellow." A quick wipe after a day out goes a long way.
The Jordan Concord 11 low isn't just a sneaker; it's basically the gold standard for what a low-top transition should look like. It kept the soul of the original 1995 masterpiece but made it approachable for everyday life.
Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just someone who wants one "really nice" pair of Jordans, this is usually the right answer. It’s flashy enough to get noticed but classic enough to never go out of style. Just make sure you check that carbon fiber before you hand over your cash.
Actionable Next Steps
To ensure your pair stays in peak condition or to secure an authentic pair in today's market, follow these steps:
- Verify the Shank Plate: Use a flashlight to inspect the midfoot. Authentic carbon fiber has a distinct, multi-layered weave texture that reflects light unevenly; flat, uniform patterns are a red flag.
- Manage Oxidation: If you own an older pair with yellowed soles, look into "un-yellowing" creams containing high-percentage hydrogen peroxide. Apply the cream, wrap in clear plastic, and leave under a UV lamp for 4-6 hours to restore the icy blue tint.
- Storage Matters: Store your Concords in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause the glue between the patent leather and the midsole to "fog" or separate, a common issue with 2014-era pairs.