Top 10 Sneaker Releases of 2011 By J. Son
With 2011 coming to an end, I wanted to share my top 10 sneaker releases of 2011. Enjoy!
Honorable Mention: Air Jordan 13 Retro “Ray Allen” PE
These were worn by Sugar Ray Jesus Shuttlesworth when he broke the all time 3 pointers made record. The previous record holder was Reggie Miller, whom I despised growing up in the 90’s. Jordanheads were praying to higher powers for this PE to drop. We were all rewarded when JB decided to drop these @ HOH’s & select Jordan Retailers. Only 2561 pairs were released (the record breaking 3’s record) & people camped out for several days. The clover/white colorway of the 13’s was inspired by the Boston Celtics & heads from the bean were salivating. Big ups Ray. The best 3 point shooter of all time IMO.
10. Nike Air Mag aka Marty McFly Shoe
Growing up watching Back To The Future, everyone drooled over the futuristic pair of Nikes that were displayed on Michael J. Fox’s feet. Nike gave us a taste with the Nike Hyperdunk “Marty McFly” edition a few years back, but the original finally released in 2011. These were limited to 1500 pairs and they were auctioned off with the net proceedings going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Dope kicks and great cause.
9. New Balance x Concepts 999 “The Kennedy”
Inspired by the Kennedy Family & the New England sailing culture, these kicks set the tone for the Summer. It was also accompanied with a matching tote bag. All you needed for a Summer outing was a nice polo tee, khaki shorts, & some 999’s. Concepts always comes hard with the collaborations.
8. Air Jordan 1 Retro Hi “Banned”
The original and infamous colorway of the Red/Black/White 1’s were banned by the NBA during MJ’s rookie year because it violated the league dress code. Fast forward to 2011 and these shoes end up releasing at Nike Outlets to everyone’s surprise. The sample version had the Nike Air on the tongue, but that was scrapped. The heel has a big “X”, covering the logo. The shoes came with a special box, and said “Imagine If” near the label. This colorway is always an insta-cop, especially with the story behind this pair.
7. Air Jordan 7 Retro “Bordeaux”
Jordanheads had to wait for almost 2 decades for Jordan Brand to retro these. MJ unveiled the kicks during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando and heads have been patiently waiting. These soldout instantly.
6. Air Max Penny 1 “Orlando”
Penny Hardaway was one of my favorite players growing up besides MJ. He was the heir apparent and was killing cats in the mid-90’s. Unfortunately the injury bug caught up with Penny, and his explosiveness dissapeared. Nevertheless, he was one of the best guards of his era and his shoe game was on point. The OG colorway of the Air Max Penny was retro’ed several years ago, and Penny enthusiasts were finally rewarded with a re-retro in 2011.
5. Air Foamposite One “Royal”
Nike has been going hard with the Foam releases this year. The OG Royal Blue colorway worn by Penny was retro’ed again this year after retroing in 2007. These are my favorite colorway of the Air Foamposite One.
4. Air Jordan 3 Retro “True Blue”
The True Blue’s saw a 2009 Euro/Asia release which left people stateside with a sour taste in their mouths. Jordanheads had to go online to grab pairs. Luckily, we were able to grab a few @ ATB in 2009 and they sold out quicky at the pricetag of $300. Jordan Brand finally rewarded people in the U.S. with a 2011 release. There was an ample supply of TB 3’s at most Jordan retailers. This is a classic colorway and should be in every Jordanhead’s closet.
3. Air Jordan 3 Retro “White Cement”
One of the dopest kicks ever. It was the Original Colorway worn by MJ. We all remember when MJ took off from the free-throw line with the 3’s on his feet. We had to wait 8 years for these to re-retro. The Jordan 3 White Cements are a classic. Most heads probably copped 2 pairs, I know I did. These were the 1st of many Jordan 3’s to retro in 2011 and all the Jordan 3’s in 2011 would feature an OG-like box with elephant print.
2. Air Jordan 11 Retro “Concord”
Concords caused a national frenzy on Dec. 23rd. It’s not a surprise though. This iconic pair was worn during Jordan’s 96-97 campaign and the Jordan-led Bulls finished the season a record best 72-10 en route to his 4th championship. Everyone remembers that commercial where Jordan got a running start and dunked on a 100-200 foot hoop. I remember seeing all the kids at the park rocking these and I was mesmerized by the work of art. Patent leather, mesh tongue, and the icey sole makes this one of the greatest sneakers of all time.
1. Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cement”
The BC 3’s are one of my favorite sneakers. I ended up selling my CDP 3’s and I was full of regret for quite some time. When news hit that the BC 3’s would drop on Black Friday, I was ecstatic. There’s no need for an explanation on why these are #1. Just look at the photo.
Hope you guys enjoyed my list of Top 10 Sneakers of 2011. I’m a Jordan head so most of the sneakers on the list were J’s. 2012 should be a big year for sneakerheads!
