Nike Air Jordan XI Golf Shoe

There may be no shoe more iconic than the Nike Air Jordan XI.  I still remember the first time the world saw them.  It was the 1995 NBA Playoffs and Jordan wore the white/black colorway (known as the Concords) even though he would face fines for wearing a shoe different from the team’s scripting (shoe rules were much different in the NBA at that time).  After two games of $5000 fines for the infraction, Jordan was finally provided a black version to remain compliant with league rules.  I was in love.  Nike later released the “Columbias,” an all white pair with an icy blue sole for the all-star game in 1996.  I only bring this fact up because I had them as a kid and they’re my favorite XI colorway.

Fast forward, and the Jordan name is just as popular as it’s ever been in the shoe game.  So much so that the Jordan sneaker craze has comfortably made its way into the golf world.  After a few years of growing success of both Jordan retro models and other Jordan shapes, the day we have all been waiting for finally arrived – Nike released the Air Jordan XI Concord colorway in a golf shoe.  With a ton of hype from golfers, sneakerheads, and collectors alike, the Jordan XI sold out quickly worldwide, and I believe set a new precedent in the world of golf.

The Looks

The Nike Air Jordan XI golf shoe is just about as far outside the box a golf shoe can go.  The look is certainly a love it or hate it vibe.  In my opinion, the XI is a versatile shoe if it appeals to your tastes and I think it looks awesome.  Harold Varner III was the first pro to put them in action and wore with white pants and a black pullover.  I’m ready to steal that look because it looked amazing.

The original basketball shoes had the black patent leather cut around the shoe with a white “nylon” upper.  That nylon would have been a nightmare on the golf course so Nike replaced it with a leather upper that will be more resilient.  Obviously this version of the XI is a low top which is different from the original.  Yes, the regular Concord has been released as a low, but the OG is a mid cut.  This low cut will be more golf-course friendly and likely more appealing to golfers.  Additionally, there is speculation that this low cut will be released in a few more colorways down the road.

The one criticism I’ve seen quite frequently about Air Jordan XI golf shoe is the midsole.  There have been prototype XI golf shoes floating around for years and they’ve had the Nike Free sole which pleased fans.  When production pictures were released, the internet golf community was up in arms about the mid sole saying they didn’t like how it fit the shoe.  Frankly, I think it’s better as it’s more in line with the actual mid sole on an XI.

Special note: the XI golf shoe has a clear sole just like the basketball shoe.  This sole looks super sweet when it’s fresh, but the clear may yellow over the time.  While that’s what I expect from a good XI for tradition’s sake, just keep that in mind if you get a pair.

Comfort Level

In taking my first stride wearing the Air Jordan XI golf shoe, it immediately reminded me of the old basketball shoes.  There is a lot of padding in the midsoles so you have a nicely cushioned step. The ankle “collar” is nice and soft so you won’t get the nasty Achilles blister we all know so well from other golf shoes.  More importantly, I found the Jordan XI extremely comfortable over a long period of time.  The only “complaint” I might have is that your feet may get a little toasty.

You’ll read a lot of comments across the internet that the XI golf shoe fits a bit narrow.  I would say that this shoe does indeed have a narrower fit, but it won’t squeeze the life out of your feet.  Going true to size or a half size up isn’t the worst idea.  If you have a wider foot, the XI may not be the best fit for you.  Overall, the XI is a flexible and supportive shoe.  A good fit will find them to be very comfortable.

On-Course Performance

So much of the Air Jordan XI golf shoe’s performance is going to come down to personal shoe demands.  Players that prefer a little float or range in their shoes will find the XI to be more optimal.  On the other hand, a player that prefers a more rigid foundation will probably prefer something else.  Don’t mistake that for saying the Jordan XI golf shoe doesn’t have good support or traction.  A solid pull of the laces will provide plenty of support across the top of your foot.  While there isn’t much to the sole except seven spikes, those spikes combined with the flex of the sole make for great grip.  I felt plenty stable and confident on every swing.

Final Thoughts

I fully embrace the fact the Air Jordan XI golf shoes are not for everyone.  There is no question that they are going to get me some “looks” on the golf course.  I’m totally fine with it.  The Jordan XI is easily my favorite sneaker of all time and I love that I’m able to wear them for golf now.  At this point, Nike/Jordan Brand have hit their stride in making Jordan golf shoes legitimately good shoes.  The XI has me especially excited for future Jordan models, but I’m more excited to see which XIs come next!

After the Review

There has been some incredible work over the past couple of years with custom Jordan XI golf shoes.  People have been buying XI football cleats and swapping the soles out for golf shoe soles.  The Jordan XI golf shoe sole swap has become a cool niche movement that’s worth the Google.  Special shout out to Chris V. for the picture above of his GOVRN sole swap.  That Columbia XI with blue sole is fire.

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