Air Jordan 11 Sizing, Fit, and Comfort Guide

We all may have our opinion on the best Air Jordan sneakers, but Michael Jordan’s answer is quite clear. The GOAT himself is open about his love for the Air Jordan 11, a model he wore at the start of the Bulls’ second three-peat in 1996. And while 2026 is the 30th anniversary of the model, Jordan Brand has been highlighting the sneaker for decades and holding it in high regard.

After the original 1996 release of the Air Jordan 11, Jordan Brand began to retro the sneaker in 2000, bringing back OG colorways like the Concord, and for the first time, the Space Jam had a retail release. From there, sporadic releases of the Air Jordan 11 Low IE (another version of the model we’ll discuss later) took place, but in 2008, Jordan Brand solidified the release procedure for the AJ 11.

From ‘08 onwards, Jordan Brand reserved the Jordan 11 for a big holiday release, starting with the Countdown Pack that featured the AJ 11 and AJ 12. Back then, it was just one pair in the OG cut for holidays, but now we get a low-top or two over the summer months, and at least two of the regular Jordan 11 for the holidays. Last year, in celebration of Jordan Brand’s 40th birthday (and a kickstart to this year’s 30th anniversary of the AJ 11), the model was released in eight colorways. The ninth in that pack, a Japanese exclusive, was released early 2026.

Now that we’ve given you a brief rundown on the history of the Air Jordan 11, let’s actually talk about how the Air Jordan 11 fits. Follow along with our Jordan 11 sizing guide to learn all the details on how the AJ 11 fits, what size you should buy, and more.

Different Types of Jordan 11s

Jordan Brand has three main versions of the Air Jordan 11. There is the standard Air Jordan 11, which comes in a high cut that wraps around your ankle, the Air Jordan 11 Low, which is just a chopped-down version of the standard AJ 11, and then the polarizing Air Jordan 11 Low IE.

During the sneaker’s original run, there were no standard low-top colorways, only the IE version, which replaces the patent leather and ballistic nylon upper with elephant print suede/leather and mesh. While the upper is radically changed, it does retain the Jordan 11’s Phylon sole unit. It wouldn’t be until the first retro run in 2001 that Jordan Brand would bring out a standard low-top version of the Jordan 11.

The Air Jordan 11 Low IE doesn’t see many releases today, with the last “GR” drop being in 2023. Jayson Tatum’s recent World Tour pack, which saw his signature Tatum 4 paired with a matching Jordan 11 Low IE, featured four different colorways for cities across the globe. These were quite limited, but technically, this was the last time Jordan Brand released that version of the Jordan 11 Low.

There is also a fourth “version” of the Jordan 11, though it’s not considered a retro release like the other three. The Jordan 11 CMFT Low was first released in 2021 alongside other CMFT silhouettes like the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT. Unlike its AJ 1 counterpart, the Jordan 11 CMFT Low is a new interpretation of the model, and honestly, it’s a pretty abstract take on the traditional look of the AJ 11. The midsole is swapped out for a modern-day Cushlon foam and pairs that with Zoom Air, while the upper softens up the materials for a more comfortable experience.

We also have to mention one of Nike's most experimental releases, which made its way over to the Air Jordan 11 line. In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Nike hopped in a DeLorean, met up with Doc Brown and Marty McFly, and brought self-lacing sneakers to reality with the Adapt series. A few different Air Jordan 11 Adapt colorways were released, including a white and black colorway with red accents and a University Blue rendition. Nike quietly shut down the Adapt line in 2024, announcing so on an FAQ page about the Adapt App being retired.

Jordan 11 Patent Leather Cut Change Explained

If you look at discussions around retro Air Jordan 11s, you’ll inevitably come across people pointing out the cut of the patent leather on the model. During the original run of the Air Jordan 11 in the ‘90s, the patent leather panel sat higher up on the sneaker, a design detail that the legendary Tinker Hatfield chose to help make the sneaker remain durable.

In a move similar to releasing retro Jordans with Jumpman logos instead of Nike Air on the heel, Jordan Brand lowered the cut of the patent leather during the first retro releases of the AJ 11. This lower cut version was the one used until 2016’s Space Jam retro, where Jordan retooled the patent leather to get a look closer to the OG. Since that 2016 Space Jam release, all Air Jordan 11 Retro releases have the higher-cut patent leather.

Are Jordan 11s Comfortable?

Thankfully, since the Air Jordan 11 released in the mid ‘90s, the comfort level is much higher compared to previous Air Jordan sneakers. However, as is the case with any retro look, the technology is outdated, and you can definitely find sneakers that are more comfortable. However, it’s still comfortable to wear for long outings thanks to the soft Phylon midsole, the comfy insole, and the Zoom Air unit embedded inside the sole unit.

High-cut Jordan 11s may be a bit restrictive on the ankle area, and right out of the box it is a tad stiff due to the ballistic nylon used on most renditions of the sneaker. Once broken in, it’ll fit like a glove. Low-top Jordan 11s will be more comfortable off-rip since the collar has been cut.

Do Jordan 11s Fit True to Size?

Like most Air Jordan sneakers, the Air Jordan 11 does fit true to size. This will ring true for virtually all versions of the sneaker, though there may be some slight differences in older pairs, as the construction is different. But generally speaking, you should be safe to go true to size, even if the materials on the upper are different.

Jordan 11 Fit Tips and Recommendations

As we mentioned earlier, the Jordan 11 runs true to size, so go with whatever shoe size you wear in most Nike sneakers. The model’s high-top version will be a bit tighter around the ankle compared to the low-top, as the high has additional material that hugs your body. If you want something to wear casually year-round, the Air Jordan 11 Low is recommended, but if you’re a fan of OG sneakers, stick with the standard AJ 11.

Air Jordan 11 Sizing Compared

The Jordan 11 fits differently compared to other sneakers on the market. Below, we’ve highlighted a few key models to compare the Jordan 11 to.

Jordan 12 vs. Jordan 11

The Air Jordan 12 was released just a year after the AJ 11, and because of this, they have somewhat similar design motifs. Well… clearly they have vastly different looks, but both use a durable upper, a large overlay contrasting the rest of the sneaker, and a cushioned Phylon midsole with Zoom Air. Like the Jordan 11, the Jordan 12 will fit true to size, and because both are higher cut sneakers, they’re supportive around the ankle.

Jordan 4 vs. Jordan 11

Michael Jordan’s sneakers constantly evolved, and within a few years, the look and feel of the models were vastly different. Just look at the difference between the Jordan 4 and Jordan 11. Jordan 4s feature multi-layered paneling, netting above the mesh on the tongue and midfoot, and feature an exposed Air unit, while the Jordan 11 is more streamlined. Even with vastly different looks and cushioning, both fit true to size.

Jordan 1 vs. Jordan 11

The OG Michael Jordan signature sneaker may have a higher cut like the Jordan 11, but the shoes are completely different. Both do feature Air cushioning, though the AJ 11 comes with Zoom Air and a foam midsole. Inside the rubber midsole of the Jordan 1 is a small Air unit in the heel. The Jordan 1 fits true to size just like the Air Jordan 11, though some people prefer to go down half a size on AJ 1s to loose lace their sneakers.

Converse Chuck Taylor vs. Jordan 11

Now these two are completely different. Converse Chuck Taylors date back over 100 years at this point, so the technology inside the traditional version of the model is lacking to say the least. Both shoes are higher cut models, but the Chucks have a thin canvas upper and a rubber sole. Compared to the Zoom Air and Phylon-cushioned Jordan 11 with its durable ballistic nylon and patent leather upper, the Chuck Taylor is almost unwearable. Still, both shoes fit true to size. However, some do like to wear Chuck Taylors a half size down from their normal Nike size.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com