Sneaker culture is weird. We spend years obsessing over a specific shade of "University Blue" or arguing about the millimeter thickness of a leather panel, yet when it comes to the white and black 11s low, things get surprisingly messy. People lump ten different shoes into one bucket.
It’s just a "Concord Low," right? Not exactly.
Honestly, if you walk into a room of collectors and just say "the black and white lows," you might be talking about the 2014 Concord Lows, the "Tuxedo" (Reverse Concord) pair from 2013, the 72-10 Lows with that pebbled leather, or even the weirdly divisive IE versions that ditch the patent leather entirely.
The Air Jordan 11 is the tuxedo of the sneaker world. Tinker Hatfield literally designed it to be worn with a suit. But the low-top version? That’s the tuxedo with the sleeves rolled up. It’s a summer staple. It’s also one of the most faked, most misunderstood, and most essential pieces of the Jordan lineage.
The Identity Crisis of the White and Black 11s Low
Most people are actually looking for the Concord Low. This shoe is basically the "Greatest Hits" album of sneakers. You’ve got the white ballistic mesh upper and that deep, ink-black patent leather mudguard. It’s a direct descendant of the mid-top Michael Jordan famously wore against the Orlando Magic in '95—the one that got him fined $5,000 a game because it didn't match the Bulls' all-black sneakers.
But the history of the white and black 11s low isn't a straight line.
In 1996, MJ wore a "Bred" low PE (Player Exclusive) during the Finals and a "Concord" low during the championship parade. But for a long time, the public couldn't buy them. When Jordan Brand finally started dropping lows in 2001, they didn't look like the ones Mike wore. They had different materials, different skins. We didn't get a "true" patent leather white and black low at retail until much later.
Then there's the "Tuxedo" or "Reverse Concord." This one flips the script. It uses a black upper with a white patent leather mudguard. It’s striking, sure, but it never quite hit the same legendary status as the OG color blocking.
Materials: Why Your Feet Might Be Sweating
If you’re rocking these in 2026, you know the deal. The standard white and black 11s low uses ballistic mesh. This stuff is tough. It was originally used for flak jackets in the military, so it’s not going to tear easily.
However, it’s not exactly "breathable" in the way a modern Flyknit shoe is. It’s stiff. It holds its shape.
Then you have the patent leather. This is the 11's calling card. It’s shiny, it’s loud, and it’s a total magnet for creases. If you hate creases, the 11 Low will be your arch-nemesis. The moment you take that first step, the toe box is going to "smile" at you.
The 72-10 Exception
A few years back, Jordan Brand dropped the 72-10 Low. This was a game-changer for people who hate the stiffness of the original 11. Instead of mesh, it used a premium tumbled leather. Instead of standard patent leather, it used a sort of "marbled" or iridescent patent. It feels significantly more "luxury" on foot, though it deviates from the classic 1995 look.
The "IE" Problem: Is It Even an 11?
We have to talk about the Air Jordan 11 Low IE.
Some people love them. Most people are confused by them.
The IE (which stands for "International Edition" or "Improvised Energy," depending on which sneaker historian you ask) is the white and black 11s low that doesn't look like an 11. It has no patent leather. Instead, it features elephant print overlays and mesh vents.
Tinker Hatfield designed these because he thought patent leather was too heavy and stiff for the summer. He wanted something lighter. If you see a pair of "Black/White" 11 lows that look like they have "cut-outs" on the side, you're looking at the IE. They’re a cult classic, but they definitely won't give you that "tuxedo" look at a wedding.
Real-World Wear: Comfort vs. Style
Let’s be real for a second. 11s are not the most comfortable shoes in the world by modern standards.
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They have a full-length Air-Sole unit and a carbon fiber shank plate. That shank plate is the secret sauce. It’s a bridge under your arch that prevents the shoe from twisting. It makes the shoe feel incredibly stable.
But it’s also flat.
If you have high arches, you're going to feel like you're standing on a wooden board after four hours. The "white and black 11s low" is a lifestyle shoe now. It’s for the cookout, the boardwalk, or the airport. Don't try to play a full game of pickup in these unless you want to spend the next day with an ice pack on your heels.
Sizing Guide
- Go True to Size (TTS): For most people, your standard Nike size works.
- Narrow Feet: Stick to TTS. The patent leather doesn't stretch, so if they're loose, your foot will slide into the hard toe cap.
- Wide Feet: Go up half a size. That patent leather mudguard is unforgiving. It will pinch your pinky toe into another dimension if you go too small.
How to Spot a Fake in 2026
The white and black 11s low is one of the most replicated shoes on the planet. Even the "best" fakes usually mess up three specific things:
- The "Jumpman" Alignment: On a real pair, the ball in the Jumpman’s hand should align perfectly between the "2" and the "3" on the heel.
- The Carbon Fiber: Real carbon fiber is textured and slightly bumpy. Fakes often use a flat plastic sticker that looks like a checkerboard.
- The "Third Space" Rule: On the tongue tag, the "Jumpman Jordan" text should be located in the third space of the laces.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you are looking to add a pair of white and black 11s low to your rotation, don't just buy the first pair you see on a resale site.
- Check the SKU: The Concord Low (528895-153) is the gold standard. The 72-10 Low (AV2187-001) is the "comfort" choice.
- Verify the Outsole: The 11 is famous for its "icy" sole. If you're buying an older pair, expect some yellowing. If the sole is bright blue on a pair from 2014, that’s a massive red flag.
- Inspect the Patent Leather Height: Jordan Brand changed the height of the mudguard over the years. Recent retros have a "higher" cut of patent leather, which is more faithful to the 1995 originals.
The white and black 11s low remains a cornerstone of footwear because it bridges the gap between "sport" and "class" better than almost anything else. Whether you prefer the mesh of the Concord or the tumbled leather of the 72-10, just make sure you know which one you're actually putting on your feet. Stick to verified marketplaces and always check that carbon fiber plate before you pull the trigger.