“Michael Jordan switched up his Concords with Space Jam shoes”: How these iconic Air Jordan 11 colorways cost the Bulls legend fines from the NBA

Many sneakerheads consider the Air Jordan 11 to be the greatest Jordan Brand sneakers ever. Michael Jordan debuted these Space Jam shoes in his comeback 1994-95 playoffs.

There might be a little doubt about MJ’s status as the greatest basketball player ever. But no one can truly lay claim to his throne as the greatest sneaker salesman of all time.

The feats that Jordan achieved through his association with Nike are simply amazing. Nike and MJ negotiated a deal that would secure the Bulls star his full contract payment if the company managed to sell $3 million worth of sneakers over his first few years in the NBA.

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The Air Jordan 1 shoe went on to secure sales worth well over $100 million in the very first year. Most people still consider the original AJ1 shoes to be the greatest piece of streetwear of all time.

Mike soon began to earn royalties for the sale of every Jordan Brand sneaker, and with good reason. He still receives 5% royalties on those sales to this day – 18 years after his final retirement.

Michael Jordan had to discard the Air Jordan 11 Concords, but instead debuted the AJ11 Space Jam

Jordan had achieved everything one could picture any sporting star setting out to reach. It was indeed a matter of time before he obliged Hollywood and played a hero’s role. After all – he was the real-life hero for millions across the globe at the time.

This opportunity came in the shape of the Space Jam movie. Now Mike had always been a Nike ambassador, and this remained true even in the movie that he starred in.

He’d already debuted the iconic Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’ colorway during the 1995 NBA playoffs. This happened because of an obscure NBA rule which mandated all players from one team to wear shoes of the same color schemes.

MJ debuted the predominantly white Concord Air Jordan 11s in the ‘95 ECSF vs the Magic. After being fined by the league the first 2 games bc they didn’t abide by league regulations, he wore the black (later dubbed “Space Jam”) 11s in games 4, 5 & 6!⁣

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— Jumpman History (@HistoryJumpman) July 15, 2021

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Both the Concord as well as the Space Jam colorway represent 2 of perhaps the top-5 most iconic Jordan Brand designs ever. These shoes, released a whole generation or two ago, are still the hottest items on the market.

Jordan Retros command a loyal fanbase that practically no other shoe brand can match.