Air Jordan 11 Black / Red in Nubuck

What if the most defining aspect of the Air Jordan 11 were switched up?

words // Zac Dubasik

If you asked someone, anyone, to name a single defining trait of the Air Jordan 11, chances are that they would answer with "patent leather." For those who aren't quite as well versed in sneakers, they are sometimes even known as "the ones with the patent leather." It's simply part of the shoe's identity.

And while there have been a number of new variations and colorways over the years, one thing has remained constant. Other than a couple snakeskin low-tops, every version has featured patent leather. Could that be changing though?

A new image has just hit instagram, via tony0214, of what appears to be a development sample of a nubuck pair of black and red Air Jordan 11s. While there is no release info, let us know your thoughts. Do you think we'll ever see these hit stores? Do you like the concept of a non-patent leather 11? Let us know in the comments.