NIKE, 1996

Revered and respected like few other teams in NBA history, the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls set new standards for excellence and popular culture impact. During Michael Jordan’s first full season after returning from his first retirement, the Bulls set a then-NBA record for regular season wins, posting a 72-10 mark, steamrolling through the playoffs to take home the fourth championship of the Jordan Era.

Jordan’s footwear set new standards, as well. The Jordan XI, which debuted during the playoffs in the previous season, became an instant sneaker classic. Jordan himself predicted that the shoe’s patent leather upper would lead it to be worn with tuxedos, confirmed when Boyz II Men wore the “Concord” colorway of the Jordan 11 at the 1996 Grammy Awards.

This “Bred” Jordan XI is a mint PE (Player Exclusive) sample and is the same model and colorway Jordan wore during the Bulls’ 1996 playoff run. This FTPS (Feng Tay Player Sample) pair is made to Jordan’s playing specifications: size 13.5 with a lower-cut patent leather panel around the heel, differing from the available retail version. The original shoe box is included.