Alright, let’s talk about those Jordan 11 Space Jams from way back in ’96. Man, that feels like a lifetime ago.
I remember the buzz was huge. The movie, Michael Jordan back playing ball… and then these sneakers dropped. Everyone wanted them. Getting a pair wasn’t like today where you click a button online. Nah, you had to actually go somewhere.
Getting My Hands on Them
I remember asking my folks, pretty much begging. Saved up some cash doing odd jobs around the neighborhood too. It wasn’t cheap, you know? For a kid back then, that was serious money. We went down to the local mall, hit up the Foot Locker or whatever sports store it was. I think we actually had to get there pretty early, not crazy overnight camping like now, but there was definitely a line, a feeling that you might miss out.
Finally got the box. It felt heavy, important. Rushed home, obviously. Popped that lid open… and wow. That shiny black patent leather just hit different. It looked like nothing else out there. The Concord 11s were cool, but the black just felt sleek, almost dangerous.
Wearing Them Out
Okay, so here’s the thing. Back then? We wore our shoes. Like, actually wore them. I didn’t put these on some shelf.
- First wear: Probably just around the house, admiring them.
- Then: School. Had to show them off, right? Felt like the coolest kid walking down the halls.
- Basketball: Yep, I even played ball in them. Maybe not the smartest move looking back, but that’s what they were for!
That patent leather? It creased. Pretty fast, actually. And keeping them clean was a mission. That shiny part showed every scuff, every fingerprint. The icy sole started yellowing after a while too, wasn’t much you could do about it back then. We didn’t have all these special cleaners and protectors like folks do now. Soap and water, maybe an old toothbrush, that was about it.
Honestly, though, I didn’t stress too much about keeping them perfect. They were shoes. I loved them, yeah, but I used them. They got beat up a bit, got dirty, got creases. That was just part of it.
What Happened to Them?
Eventually, like most shoes I had back then, I just wore them into the ground. Played too much basketball in them, scuffed them up beyond repair. I think they probably ended up in the trash or donated eventually. Didn’t think about keeping them as some kind of collectible. Who knew they’d become such a big deal years later?
It’s funny looking back. The hype was real, but it felt more… innocent? Less about money and reselling, more about just loving the shoe and the player. Good times. Seeing them retro now is cool, brings back memories, but nothing beats having that OG pair back in ’96.
