Jordan 11 Gratitude vs. Concord: Which Black and White AJ11 to Buy?

Quick answer: Buy the Concord if you want the original 1995 look, a lighter feel, and the classic purple details. Buy the Gratitude if you want a dressier shoe that is easier to keep clean. The biggest difference is the upper: the Concord uses white mesh, and the Gratitude uses smooth white leather with gold details. Both fit the same, so pick your usual Jordan 11 size.

Both pairs share the same black patent leather, full-length Air cushioning, and carbon fiber plate. So the choice really comes down to looks, care, and how you plan to wear them.

When the Air Jordan 11 first came out in 1995, it used tough ballistic mesh to keep the shoe light. The Concord keeps that mesh. The Gratitude swaps it for smooth tumbled leather. Leather holds its shape well over time, while mesh can loosen up after years of wear. The trade-off is weight: the leather pair feels a little heavier on a long day.

• Material verdict: The Concord is lighter and breathes better. The Gratitude is sturdier and easier to clean.

How a sneaker breaks in matters a lot, especially when two pairs use different materials. We asked JD's footwear experts how each one settles on your foot.

• Question: "Will the Gratitude's leather stretch enough for wide feet, or does the patent leather keep it tight?"

• Answer: "The patent leather around the toes stays stiff, no matter which pair you buy. The Gratitude's leather softens around the ankle after a few wears, but the toe area won't loosen much. If a pair feels tight on your toes right away, go up a half size."

• Question: "Do the soles turn yellow on both pairs?"

• Answer: "Yes. All clear rubber soles slowly turn yellow when they're exposed to air and sunlight. The Concord's icy blue sole shows it most. Keep either pair in its box, out of direct sun, to slow it down."

• The Concord look: Deep purple hits on a black and white shoe. It's the pair Michael Jordan wore during the 1995–96 season, and it's the pick for purists.
• The Gratitude look: Metallic gold details on the Jumpman and the heel "23." It nods to the 2006 "Defining Moments" pack and feels more celebratory and dressy.

• True to size: Both pairs use the same shape and fit true to size for most people.
• Wide feet: Go up a half size. The patent leather toe area doesn't stretch.
• Compared to other Jordans: Most people wear the same size in the Jordan 11 as in the Jordan 1 and Jordan 4.
• Buying for kids? Both colorways often come in big kids' (GS) sizes, which fit the same way. Leave about a thumb's width at the toe. Shop kids' Jordans at JD Sports.

Whether you like a 90s court look or something dressier, here's how our JD stylists wear each pair:

1. Concord (classic 90s): Wear them with baggy light-wash jeans or black track pants and a Bulls-inspired top. Let the purple and patent leather stand out.
2. Gratitude (dressed up): Wear them with black trousers and a cream knit sweater. The gold details and leather upper make it easy to dress up for events and holidays.

1. What is the difference between the Jordan 11 Gratitude and Concord? The Concord has a white mesh upper with purple details. The Gratitude has a white leather upper with gold details.
2. Is the Jordan 11 Gratitude the same as the DMP? It's inspired by the 2006 "Defining Moments" (DMP) pack, but it's its own release with a white leather upper.
3. Which Jordan 11 is easier to clean? The Gratitude. Leather wipes clean with a damp cloth, while mesh can trap dirt.
4. Do Jordan 11s run true to size? Yes, for most people. Go up a half size if you have wide feet.
5. When do new Jordan 11s release? Jordan 11s often drop around the holidays. Check the JD Sports release calendar for dates.

• Buy the Concord if: you want the original 1995 look Michael Jordan wore on court. It's lighter and breathes better.
• Buy the Gratitude if: you want a dressier pair that's easy to clean and holds its shape for daily wear.
• Ready to shop? See every colorway of the Air Jordan 11 at JD Sports, or browse all Jordan retro shoes.

1. Nike Product Information: Details on the Air Jordan 11's patent leather, full-length Air cushioning, and carbon fiber plate.
2. Brand History: Background on the 1995 Air Jordan 11 "Concord" and the 2006 "Defining Moments" pack.
3. Independent Reviews: Hands-on comparisons of the mesh and leather Air Jordan 11 uppers.
4. JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and comfort feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.