story

"So fellas, we're all together today to talk about the AJXI Cool Grey."

"Hi, my name is Charles Alagar. I'm a Footwear Tech Developer in Jordan Flight, also encompasses AJ 1, Retro, Remix, and 23 E.I'm Leah Nagengast and I'm the Material Design Director for Flight category and Jordan Brand."

"Hi, my name is Eric Sandy, Color Design Director for Jordan Brand, over on our Flight category. It is the 20th anniversary of the 'Cool Grey' XI. The importance of the shoe is so massive.
We always try to put our best foot forward when it comes to the XI..."

"...because we know the importance of it. I think this is a good example of where it was in its original state versus where it is today and how we poured some more quality in that premium nature that we always try to bring within Jordan as well."

"What are you guys' first memories of the Air Jordan XI?
I remember seeing MJ on court, the black socks, patent 'Bred' XI. I was blown away. I'm like, wow. I wanted a pair."

"The connection that people, kids, full grown adults tend to have to the model in general is pretty special for sure. My job as a Footwear Tech Developer is essentially to bring this product to life..."

"...based on the color design, based on the material design. We want to make sure it's manufacturable. You can't have good color without good material. Color and material definitely go hand in hand."

"Looking at the shoe here, the OG, where do you see the evolution as compared to 2021 version? One of the challenges and fun part of what we do is finding the right space from a color standard standpoint."

"This is really about trying to find that balance of what the original colors actually looked like, aside from what they actually look like today."

"When you really hone in, again, on the details here, you fine tuned the color here, so that it'll naturally patina with age."

"We really tried to evolve and elevate the XI too. It's something we've been trying to do for, I think, the last three or four years since we went to into remastering, re-engineering."

"It's another part of, I think, what Jordan Brand represents, quality, elevated game, and elevated shoes."

Behind the Design: Air Jordan XI 'Cool Grey'