![air jordan 11 xi retro bred 2019 378037 061 pair](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfMTA5Mix3XzE5NDEseF8zMix5XzU3NA==/gxtabuctifqxylvhauhl/air-jordan-11-xi-retro-bred-2019-378037-061-pair.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
For the first time since 2012, the "Bred" Air Jordan XI is returning. This retro edition stays true to the original version that released with "23" printed on the heel and a higher patent leather cut to better resemble the shoes worn by Michael Jordan during the mid-'90s.
While much has been said about the "Bred" colorway's history during the lead up to this release, there are some facts about the Air Jordan XI itself that may not be quite as evident to newcomers. Brush up on your knowledge here and pick up the "Bred" Jordan XI at select retailers this Saturday, Dec. 14 for $220.
It Almost Didn't Happen
![20 things nike airmax 95 tinker hatfield](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfNjAxLHdfMTA1Nix4XzAseV8xMg==/jbepksfokxehltsdshnk/20-things-nike-airmax-95-tinker-hatfield.png?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Tinker Wanted a Tough Sneaker
![Jordan 11 Legend Blue](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfNjY1LHdfMTA5Nyx4XzMseV82Ng==/air-jordan-11-legend-blue-72_co7ahs/jordan-11-legend-blue.png)
Ahmad Rashad Helped Debut Them
![Ahmad Rashad Air Jordan 11](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfMTUzMyx3XzI5NTMseF8wLHlfMQ==/k22zheg2qts65fzvlrf1/ahmad-rashad-air-jordan-11.jpg)
MJ Was Fined For Wearing the Them
![Air Jordan 11 'Concord' On Foot Worn by Michael Jordan](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfMTk4Nyx3XzM1OTgseF8wLHlfNDA1/iyghytuajlxqfsgwuh5n/air-jordan-11-concord-on-foot.jpg)
Jordan Borrowed Penny's Sneakers to Avoid a Fine
![Michael Jordan During Game 3 of the 1995 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfMjkwNCx3XzMwMDAseF8wLHlfNjA=/dcgnnq9u7wdhirjjkerw/michael-jordan-game-3-eastern-conference-semifinals-1995.jpg)
The Lows Switched Things Up
![Air Jordan 11 Low IE Bred](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfODE0LHdfMTU2MSx4XzcseV8yMA==/hqceohppda1qyxdweukf/air-jordan-11-low-ie-bred.jpg)
MJ Wore Them During the Bulls' Historic 72-10 Season
![Air Jordan 11 72 10](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfNjA0LHdfMTA5OSx4XzEseV85/mqsmkqle4afx1xpldp5g/air-jordan-11-retro-72-10.jpg)
The First Retro Run Was a Game Changer
![Cool Grey Air Jordan 11](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfODI2LHdfMTQyOSx4XzAseV8xOA==/xonrnsyqgxg2vczjpwtc/cool-grey-air-jordan-11.jpg)
They Were Part of Jordan Brand's First Pack
![Air Jordan 11 'Defining Moments Pack'](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfOTUxLHdfMTYwMCx4XzAseV8xODI=/nfoebsnommr3kwuzg1zf/air-jordan-11-dmp.jpg)
Air Jordan XIs Became a Staple of Holiday Wish Lists
![air jordan 11 xi retro bred 2019 378037 061 lateral](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/complex/images/Y19jcm9wLGhfMTA3MSx3XzIwMDAseF8wLHlfNTU0/xttyjmzxgsxg805nkdzh/air-jordan-11-xi-retro-bred-2019-378037-061-lateral.jpg)