The Air Jordan 11 is a legendary silhouette, a true icon in sneaker history. Among its most coveted colorways, two stand out with fierce rivalry: the “Bred” and the “Concord.” Both boast the same iconic design, yet they evoke entirely different vibes and hold unique places in the hearts of collectors.
The “Bred,” with its striking black and red combination, embodies a raw, aggressive energy. It’s a colorway that screams performance and intimidation, often associated with MJ’s dominance on the court. On the flip side, the “Concord” presents a cleaner, more sophisticated aesthetic, its crisp white and black, accented by that unmistakable translucent sole, exuding pure class and timeless appeal.
This showdown isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about legacy, cultural impact, and personal preference. So, when you pit the legendary Jordan 11 Bred against the equally iconic Jordan 11 Concord, which one truly reigns supreme in the pantheon of Air Jordan greatness?
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | jordan 11 bred | concord |
|---|---|---|
| Silhouette | High-top | High-top |
| Upper Material | Patent leather, ballistic mesh | Patent leather, ballistic mesh |
| Midsole | Encapsulated Air | Encapsulated Air |
| Outsole | Translucent rubber | Translucent rubber |
| Carbon Fiber Shank | Yes | Yes |
| Jumpman Logo Placement | Heel, Insole | Heel, Insole |
| Colorway Theme | Black and Red | White and Blue |
| Dominant Color | Black | White |
| Accent Colors | Red | Dark Blue (Concord Purple) |
| Lacing System | Traditional laces with lace loops | Traditional laces with lace loops |
| Heel Tab | Yes, with branding | Yes, with branding |
| Release Year | 1996 (OG), 2001, 2008, 2012, 2019 | 1995 (OG), 2000, 2011, 2018 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Colorway
- Jordan 11 Bred: The iconic black and red color scheme is instantly recognizable and a staple of sneaker culture. The deep black patent leather and ballistic mesh upper are accented by vibrant red Jumpman logos and outsole details. This colorway is known for its aggressive and bold aesthetic.
- Concord: The classic black and white “Concord” colorway features a striking contrast. The black patent leather is paired with a crisp white ballistic mesh and midsole, with subtle hints of purple on the Jumpman logo. It offers a more sophisticated and timeless look.
- Winner: Bred
Patent Leather
- Jordan 11 Bred: The high-gloss black patent leather on the mudguard of the Bred 11 is a defining characteristic, providing durability and a luxurious sheen. It’s prone to creasing over time but adds significantly to the shoe’s visual appeal.
- Concord: Similar to the Bred, the Concord 11 features a lustrous black patent leather mudguard. Its reflective quality under light contributes to its premium feel. The durability is comparable to the Bred.
- Winner: Concord
Upper Material
- Jordan 11 Bred: The Bred 11 utilizes a durable ballistic nylon mesh for its upper, offering breathability and a lightweight feel. This material is known for its resilience and ability to withstand wear and tear.
- Concord: The Concord 11 also employs a high-quality ballistic mesh, ensuring comfort and breathability. Its clean white appearance contrasts sharply with the black patent leather, making it a visually striking element.
- Winner: Bred
Midsole & Cushioning
- Jordan 11 Bred: Both the Bred and Concord 11 feature a full-length Air-Sole unit encapsulated within a polyurethane midsole. This provides excellent cushioning and impact protection, making them comfortable for both casual wear and basketball.
- Concord: The cushioning system is identical to the Bred 11. The white midsole offers a clean aesthetic and houses the same responsive Air-Sole unit for superior comfort.
- Winner: Tie
Outsole
- Jordan 11 Bred: The Bred 11 boasts an icy translucent outsole with bold red traction pods and a carbon fiber shank plate. The red accents on the outsole are a signature element of this colorway.
- Concord: The Concord 11 features a similarly icy translucent outsole, but with blueish-purple tinted traction pods. The carbon fiber shank is also present, offering support and stability.
- Winner: Bred
Heel Branding
- Jordan 11 Bred: The heel of the Bred 11 prominently features a red Jumpman logo embroidered directly onto the black heel tab. This pop of color is a key differentiator and a fan favorite.
- Concord: The Concord 11’s heel showcases a purple Jumpman logo embroidered on a white heel tab. This subtle yet distinctive branding contributes to its iconic status.
- Winner: Bred
Overall Aesthetic
- Jordan 11 Bred: The Bred 11 presents a more aggressive, bold, and street-ready aesthetic. Its color blocking is classic and instantly recognizable, often associated with Michael Jordan’s dominant playing style.
- Concord: The Concord 11 offers a cleaner, more sophisticated, and timeless look. Its high contrast and refined details make it a versatile sneaker that can be dressed up or down.
- Winner: Concord
Historical Significance
- Jordan 11 Bred: The Bred 11 is deeply intertwined with Michael Jordan’s career, notably worn during the Chicago Bulls’ record-breaking 1995-1996 season and playoff run. It’s considered one of the most influential and sought-after Jordans ever.
- Concord: The Concord 11 holds immense historical value as one of the first Air Jordans to feature patent leather and was famously worn by Michael Jordan during his return to the NBA in 1995. Its debut marked a significant shift in sneaker design.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Classic Appeal | jordan 11 bred |
| Versatility | jordan 11 bred |
| Boldness | jordan 11 bred |
| Cleanliness | concord |
| Premium Feel | concord |
| Historical Significance | concord |
| Statement Piece | concord |
What They Have in Common
- Iconic Silhouette: Both the Jordan 11 Bred and Concord share the legendary Air Jordan 11 high-top silhouette, characterized by its sleek patent leather mudguard and ballistic mesh upper. This design was revolutionary for its time and remains a cornerstone of sneaker culture.
- Premium Materials: Each pair utilizes a blend of high-quality materials, including the signature patent leather that wraps around the lower portion of the shoe and a durable ballistic mesh on the upper. These materials contribute to both the aesthetic appeal and the longevity of the sneakers.
- Visible Air Cushioning: A defining feature of the Air Jordan 11 line, both the Bred and Concord models incorporate full-length encapsulated Air cushioning in the midsole. This technology provides excellent comfort and impact protection for everyday wear and athletic activities.
- Carbon Fiber Support: Both sneakers are equipped with a carbon fiber shank plate in the midsole. This structural element enhances torsional rigidity and provides midfoot support, contributing to the shoe’s stability and performance.
- Translucent Outsole: The distinctive translucent rubber outsole is a hallmark of the Air Jordan 11. It not only adds to the visual appeal but also offers reliable traction.
- Jumpman Branding: Consistent with the Air Jordan line, both the Bred and Concord feature the iconic Jumpman logo prominently on the heel and insole, signifying their association with Michael Jordan.
Jordan 11 Bred Vs Concord Buying Guide
Condition and Authenticity
When purchasing either the Jordan 11 Bred or Concord, prioritizing condition is paramount. Look for shoes with minimal creasing, intact soles (especially the translucent parts which can yellow over time), and clean uppers. Always ensure authenticity by examining the box, hangtags, and the overall craftsmanship. Reputable sellers and authenticators are your best allies in avoiding fakes.
For both models, the resale market is flooded with replicas. Due diligence is crucial. Check seller reviews, ask for detailed photos, and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. A trusted authentication service can provide peace of mind before committing to a purchase. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Sizing and Fit
The Jordan 11 generally runs true to size for most individuals. However, if you have wider feet, you might consider going up half a size for a more comfortable fit, particularly with the snug nature of the patent leather and ballistic mesh upper. Both the Bred and Concord share this characteristic fit.
It’s always recommended to try on a pair if possible. If buying online, research sizing advice from other collectors or refer to size charts. Remember that vintage pairs might have slightly different material properties, so factor that into your decision.
Market Value and Resale Trends
The Jordan 11 Bred and Concord are both highly sought-after models with strong resale values. The Bred, with its iconic black and red colorway, often commands a slight premium due to its aggressive aesthetic and cultural significance. The Concord, representing the original “launch” colorway, also holds significant value and historical importance.
Market prices fluctuate based on condition, size, release year (OG vs. retro), and overall demand. Keep an eye on reputable resale platforms to gauge current market trends. Investing in a well-maintained pair of either can be a sound financial decision for collectors. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Investment Potential
Both the Jordan 11 Bred and Concord are considered excellent investment pieces within the sneaker community. Their timeless design, premium materials, and Michael Jordan’s legendary association ensure their enduring appeal. Rarer OG releases or pristine retro pairs in desirable sizes tend to appreciate the most over time.
While both are strong contenders, the Bred’s consistent popularity and the Concord’s status as the original often lead to steady, reliable growth in value. However, the sneaker market is subject to trends, so diversification and careful selection are key for long-term investment success.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy jordan 11 bred If…
- You gravitate towards bold, classic colorways that make a statement.
- You prefer darker, more versatile sneakers that can be worn with a wider range of outfits.
- You appreciate the aggressive aesthetic often associated with performance basketball shoes.
- You’re looking for a sneaker that embodies a more “street” or “tough” vibe.
Buy concord If…
- You are drawn to clean, bright, and eye-catching designs.
- You want a sneaker that stands out and offers a more premium, sophisticated look.
- You are a fan of the original Air Jordan 11 colorways and their historical significance.
- You prefer lighter-colored sneakers that can add a pop to your wardrobe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jordan 11 Breds or Concords more comfortable?
Both the Jordan 11 Bred and Concord share the same underlying construction and cushioning technology, meaning their comfort levels are virtually identical. The primary difference in perceived comfort often comes down to individual foot shape and how the shoe molds over time. The ballistic mesh and patent leather can feel a bit stiff initially, but they break in nicely.
Which Jordan 11 colorway is rarer, Bred or Concord?
Rarity can be subjective and depends on the specific release year. Original (OG) releases of both are exceptionally rare and valuable. However, considering general retro releases and overall production numbers, the Jordan 11 Concord has seen more frequent retros than the Bred in certain eras, potentially making some Bred releases slightly harder to find in pristine condition. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Is the Jordan 11 Bred or Concord better for everyday wear?
Both are durable and stylish enough for everyday wear, but their premium materials and high resale value often make collectors hesitant to wear them frequently. The Bred’s darker color scheme might be slightly more forgiving for daily scuffs and dirt compared to the Concord’s white and icy blue accents. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and willingness to maintain them.
Can I wear Jordan 11 Breds or Concords with formal attire?
While sneakers are increasingly accepted in casual fashion, the Jordan 11s, with their patent leather, lean more towards a sporty or streetwear aesthetic. They can be styled with smart casual outfits, like jeans and a bomber jacket, but are generally not considered suitable for formal events or business attire. Their bold design makes a statement on its own.
Which Jordan 11 colorway holds its value better?
Historically, both the Jordan 11 Bred and Concord have excellent value retention and appreciation potential. However, the Jordan 11 Bred, with its universally appealing and aggressive black and red color blocking, often sees slightly more consistent demand and value growth across various releases and conditions. The Concord’s value is also very strong, especially for OG pairs.
Final Verdict
Both the Jordan 11 Bred and Concord are legendary sneakers, each holding a significant place in sneaker history. The Bred offers a bold, aggressive aesthetic that appeals to a wide audience, while the Concord represents the groundbreaking original design that introduced the world to the elegance of the Jordan 11. Both are excellent choices for collectors and wearers alike, offering style, comfort, and investment potential. However, the enduring popularity and iconic status of the Bred give it a slight edge in overall market appeal and consistent demand.
Winner: Jordan 11 Bred