Behind the Design: Air Jordan 11 Low 'Igloo'

Just in time for summer, the Air Jordan 11 Low ‘Igloo’ delivers a seasonal refresh to one of Jordan Brand’s most celebrated silhouettes. With its crisp white base and soft mint accents, this women’s-exclusive release keeps things cool and classic, blending an iconic design with a cool tone for the warm months ahead.

Air Jordan 11 History

The Air Jordan 11's design followed the Air Jordan 10's simplistic approach but added new elements that took the shoe to new heights. Designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 11 features the same minimalist paneling that started on the Air Jordan 9 but includes new firsts never seen on the Air Jordan line. The first new addition was patent leather, a hallmark of the Air Jordan 11's design. This was incorporated into the design from a request from Michael Jordan himself, who wanted a basketball shoe that had a shine to it. The second new addition was the use of a full-length carbon fiber plate. Hatfield incorporated this into the design after noticing that some performance shoes were too flexible, causing players to over-flex. 

The Air Jordan 11 went on to debut in 1995 for $125 USD. Its debut designs included the now iconic ‘Concord,’ ‘Columbia,’ and ‘Bred’ colorways. The Air Jordan 11's design also reflects the era in which it was released. The late 1990s were a time of innovation and experimentation in the sneaker industry, and the Air Jordan 11 was at the forefront of this movement. This can also be seen in the lesser-known IE version of the shoe, which was released in 1996. The Air Jordan 11 IE was a low-top variant that was designed with lightweight mesh that would help with breathability during the summer. Although the IE version did not reach the same fame as the original Air Jordan 11, its mesh design inspired future footwear design.

Behind the Design: Air Jordan 11 'Igloo'

The Air Jordan 11 Low ‘Igloo’ stands out with a refreshing palette built for summertime wear. The shoe features a smooth white leather upper that keeps things simple and crisp, allowing the signature patent leather mudguard to pop in a soft mint-green shade known as “Igloo.” Black accents hit the inner lining and heel tab for contrast, while a semi-translucent icy outsole reinforces the frosty, cool-weather feel. Tonal branding and a white midsole round out the look, keeping the aesthetic clean, modern, and unmistakably Jordan.

The Air Jordan 11 Low ‘Igloo’ is more than just a seasonal colorway—it’s a nod to the model’s legacy of innovation and style, updated with fresh hues that align perfectly with summer fits. As part of Jordan Brand’s tradition of low-top 11 releases, it brings together form, function, and fashion in equal measure. The women’s-exclusive Air Jordan 11 Low ‘Igloo’ releases June 7, 2025, and you can find your pair on KICKS CREW.