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You could argue one sneaker started it all. All the sneakerheads. All the campouts. All the hype and passion. You could argue it all started 19 years ago and no one would bat an eye.
When Michael Jordan showed up for Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals wearing some new patent leather sneaker that the designers at Nike didn’t even want him rocking, we all lost it. And while the Concord and Bred colorways of the Air Jordan XI would go on to become two of the most beloved basketball sneakers ever made, the story of this classic silhouette always seems to overlook one shoe: The “Columbia” Jordan XI.
Do you remember that colorway? Hopefully you do, at least if you consider yourself some type of sneaker connoisseur. It was this colorway that Mike rocked during the 1996 NBA All-Star Game, that fabled night in San Antonio when Jordan officially reaffirmed his status among the basketball hierarchy, scoring 20 points and winning the midseason classic’s MVP. At the time, Chicago was 42-5, on a crash course with history. But Jordan was still a player six days away from his 33rd birthday looking to avenge an ugly and embarrassing playoff defeat the year prior. This game changed things.
Nearly two decades later and this Air Jordan XI colorway is back as the centerpiece of The Game Plan’s new collection from Champs Sports. The good thing for you is that this classic sneaker won’t be all you can get. With hoodies, snapbacks, graphic T-shirts, and other sneakers like the Air Jordan I and the Jordan Flex Trainer – all of them sporting the “Legend Blue” colors – you can spend the entire winter looking fly.
This holiday season, make sure you’re stunting on everyone with a classic Jordan colorway. Whether you want to call it North Carolina blue or “Legend Blue” doesn’t really matter. All that matters is that this collection from The Game Plan and Champs Sports is impossible to resist.
Check out the Champs Sports store locator to find your nearest retailer and cop the collection today. And to see more game, check out TheDrop365.com.
Stay Classic
To stay clean and look ill in the cold winter months, white sneakers really need to hit hard. Keep it classic here with this look, starting with the legendary Jordan XI and continuing head to toe with a graphic T-shirt and hat to match. There’s something about the UNC colors that just scream Michael Jordan, no matter how you wear them. Around the holidays, when everyone is rocking the green and red, you’ll stand out.
Air Jordan XI - $200
Jordan JumpmanDri-Fit Crew Socks - $17.99
Jordan Retro 11 Shorts - $55
Jordan Kano Anime XI T-Shirt - $34.99
Jordan Retro XI Cap - $34.99
Warm Up
Need to stay fly while also being ready should a gym open for pickup games? Then this is the look for you. Complete with a grey hoodie and flashy Jordan knit hat, the outfit takes its cues from the Air Jordan I, a fresh classic that should never be overlooked. These are so versatile that you’ll be able to wear them to just about anything you have on your schedule this holiday.
Air Jordan I Mid - $104.99
Jordan Supersonic T-Shirt - $29.99
Jordan Retro XI Beanie - $29.99
Jordan Legend Blue Socks - $17.99
Jordan Retro XI Pinnacle Fleece Hoodie- $129.99
Jordan Retro XI Pinnacle Fleece Pants - $109.99
Get It In
Outside of Christmas trees and presents—and snow depending on where you live—the holidays are defined by food. Lots of it, too. We’ll all be going to the gym whenever we can. All of that turkey and chicken and all those brownies will take a toll. Take over your training sessions with the blue-based Jordan Flex Trainer and a branded hoodie for cool down.
Jordan Flight Flex Trainer - $99.99
Jordan JumpmanDri-Fit Crew Socks - $17.99
Jordan Prospect Shorts - $39.99
Jordan Jumpman Flight Hoodie - $59.99
