Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue” (Columbia) Returning December 2024

The Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue”, aka “Columbia”, will be released again on December 14, 2024. If you count the Legend Blue release, the “Columbia” iteration has launched three times, with the fourth arriving for Christmas 2024. The retail price is $230, and it will be available in full family sizes.

Each year, Jordan Brand releases a pair of Air Jordan 11s around Christmas time in December. This tradition started in 2008, and a total of fifteen different releases have dropped throughout the years. Not every pair has been new; in fact, in multiple years, we have seen an original return. Jordan Brand used to have a system: one new colorway would launch, and the following year, an original. For 2024, we will see the return of the “Legend Blue” Air Jordan 11, aka “Columbia.”

While some consider the “Columbia” and “Legend Blue” different models, Jordan Brand attempted to recreate the original rendition. In 2024, the brand will focus on getting it right this go-around. But let’s look at some of the differences between the two below.

Air Jordan 11 Columbia History

We have seen the “Columbia” and “Legend Blue” Air Jordan 11 release three times so far, and the fourth will arrive in 2024. The first time was in 1996, and they received the nickname “All-Star.” This was due to Michael Jordan wearing the shoes during the 1996 NBA All-Star game at the Alamodome in San Antonio. MJ won MVP by dropping 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. We would see the first retro of the “Columbia” Jordan 11 take place in 2001, only five years later. The difference between the 1996 and 2001 pairs is the height of the patent leather. The 2001 comes with a lower-cut patent leather and lacks peaks.

In 2014, Jordan Brand would retro the “Columbia” Air Jordan 11 again, but they changed the name to “Legend Blue.” Rumor has it that Jordan Brand no longer owns the trademark to “Columbia Blue,” thus the name change.

Columbia vs Legend Blue Air Jordan 11 Comparison

Whenever the brand returns a shoe after years sitting in the vault, there are always differences between the new pair and the originals. As for the Legend Blue, the overall shape is different, and the Jumpman on the ankle faces the opposite way. The Jumpman on the outsole is outlined on the 2014 “Legend Blue” but is filled in on the original pair. Furthermore, the outsole on the Legend Blue has a deeper Blue translucent finish. Lastly, JB moved away from the Nike Air branding on the insoles and used a Jumpman on the Legend Blue.

As mentioned, Jordan Brand won’t call this pair “Columbia,” and the official shade of Blue used is “Legend Blue.” However, we can expect the pair to resemble the original release from 1996. Highlighted with a higher-cut patent leather upper with peaks, covered in White. Columbia Blue, aka Legend Blue, adorns the Jumpman on the ankle, branding on the tongue, White mesh tongue, and the icy translucent tint across the rubber outsole. Other details include Michael Jordan’s number 23 on the heels and Nike Air branding on the insoles.

Air Jordan 11 Legend Blue (Columbia) 2024 Release Date

You can expect the Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue”, aka “Columbia”, to be released at select retailers and Nike.com on December 14th, 2024. The retail price is $230. Also, you can expect the shoes to be available in full family sizes. Once we have more information, we will make sure to keep you in the loop.

Check out our Air Jordan Release Dates page for more upcoming drops from the brand.

Update (4/3/24): Here is a first look at the 2024 “Legend Blue” Air Jordan 11, aka “Columbia,” via xcsnkr. A release is scheduled for December 14th.

The information is in collaboration with zsneakerheadz.

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