The $500 Retro: 7 Reasons The 2016 Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam' Remains An Unstoppable Icon

Eight years after its monumental debut, the 2016 Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam' remains one of the most coveted and valuable sneakers in the culture. As of December 15, 2025, this specific iteration of the legendary silhouette commands a staggering premium on the resale market, often trading for over double its original retail price. This is not just another black and white shoe; it is a meticulously "remastered" piece of history, an homage to Michael Jordan's return to basketball and the 20th anniversary of the iconic *Space Jam* movie, a combination of factors that solidifies its legendary status.

The 2016 release, officially known by its style code 378037-003, transcended a typical sneaker drop, setting new records for sales volume in Nike's history at the time. Its enduring appeal lies in the subtle yet crucial design details—elements that differentiate it from the 2000 and 2009 retros—making it the definitive version for many purists and collectors who demand the closest representation to the original Player Exclusive (PE) pair worn by MJ himself. Understanding the nuances of this release is key to appreciating its current market dominance.

The Definitive Profile: 2016 Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam' Release Details

To truly understand the 2016 'Space Jam' release, one must appreciate the specific elements that Jordan Brand incorporated to make it stand out as the most authentic retro to date. This profile breaks down the essential facts and design choices that define this legendary sneaker.

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• Sneaker Name: Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Space Jam' (2016)
• Style Code: 378037-003
• Colorway: Black/Dark Concord-White
• Original Retail Price: $220 USD
• Release Date: December 10, 2016
• Commemoration: 20th Anniversary of the 1996 *Space Jam* Film
• Designer: Tinker Hatfield (Original Air Jordan 11 Design)
• Key Feature: The return of the "45" embroidered on the heel, a direct reference to Michael Jordan's temporary jersey number after his first retirement.
• Patent Leather Cut: Higher-cut patent leather mudguard, closer to the original 1995/1996 silhouette.
• Box: Special edition Looney Tunes-themed packaging with a slide-out tray.

This release was not merely a re-run; it was a "remastered" version that corrected perceived flaws in previous retro releases. The inclusion of the '45' heel tab was the most significant alteration, instantly elevating its status among collectors who view it as the closest thing to the Player Exclusive (PE) version Michael Jordan wore during the 1995 NBA Playoffs and in the iconic movie.

The 7 Critical Design Differences That Make the 2016 Retro Superior

The magic of the 2016 'Space Jam' lies in its commitment to historical accuracy and premium construction. These seven details are why the Black/Dark Concord-White colorway from 2016 is considered the gold standard among all 'Space Jam' retros (2000, 2009, and the rumored 2026 version).

1. The Return of the '45' Heel Embroidery

The single most defining feature of the 2016 edition is the embroidered "45" on the heel. The 2000 and 2009 retros featured the standard "23." Michael Jordan famously wore the number 45 when he returned to the NBA in 1995, and this detail was present on the original Player Exclusive (PE) pair he debuted against the Orlando Magic. The 2016 retro brought this crucial historical accuracy back, instantly distinguishing it as a must-have for serious sneaker historians and fans of the Chicago Bulls legend.

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2. Higher-Cut Patent Leather

One of the most common complaints about the 2009 'Space Jam' retro was the lower cut of the patent leather mudguard. The 2016 version addressed this directly, featuring a noticeably higher-cut, glossy black patent leather that is truer to the original 1995 design by Tinker Hatfield. This change gives the shoe a more aggressive, premium, and visually accurate profile, enhancing the contrast with the white midsole and the black ballistic mesh upper.

3. Dark Concord vs. Varsity Royal

While the color is often mistaken for "Varsity Royal" (a darker blue), the accent color on the Jumpman logo and the outsole pods in the 2016 release is the correct "Dark Concord." This subtle, purplish-blue hue is the accurate color from the original PE and the movie, a small detail that speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to the remastering process.

4. The Ballistic Mesh Upper

The upper material of the Air Jordan 11 is a durable, lightweight ballistic mesh, a material choice by Tinker Hatfield to give the shoe a sleek, high-performance look. The 2016 release utilized a high-quality mesh that has maintained its structure and color over time, contributing to the shoe's longevity and high resale value.

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5. The Ice Blue Outsole

The 2016 model features a translucent, icy blue outsole that houses the carbon fiber shank plate. This icy tint was a deliberate choice to combat the yellowing that plagued the clear outsoles of earlier retros. While all translucent soles will eventually oxidize, the 2016 version’s outsole was designed to be more resistant, making clean, preserved pairs extremely valuable on the secondary market.

6. Record-Breaking Release Volume

The sheer scale of the 2016 release is a testament to the shoe's cultural weight. Released for the 20th anniversary, Nike and Jordan Brand decided to make the shoe widely available, resulting in a record-breaking sales day that surpassed all previous Nike releases in history up to that point. This high volume means that while the shoe is common, the demand for a pristine, deadstock pair is still immense, driving up the price for collectors who missed out.

7. The Special Edition Packaging

To celebrate the *Space Jam* movie, the 2016 retro came housed in a special edition box. The packaging featured a black, purple, and blue theme with Looney Tunes graphics, including a slide-out tray and a clear plastic cover. This unique presentation box is an essential component for any collector, and a pair sold with the original packaging commands the highest resale price.

The Current Market: 2025 Resale Value and Future Outlook

The 'Space Jam' Air Jordan 11 has always been a profitable investment for resellers, but its value has stabilized at a premium level in 2025. The original retail price was $220. Today, a deadstock (DS) pair of the 2016 release typically sells for between $450 and $550, with some sizes reaching over $700, according to current market data from platforms like StockX and Stadium Goods.

This steady appreciation is a direct result of its superior construction and historical accuracy, especially the '45' heel. As the years pass, the number of pristine pairs decreases, which naturally pushes the price upward. The Air Jordan 11 is a timeless silhouette, and the 'Space Jam' is arguably its most famous colorway, worn by Michael Jordan in the 1995 NBA Playoffs and immortalized in the 1996 film.

Looking ahead, the anticipation of a potential 2026 'Space Jam' retro only increases the value of the 2016 model. Collectors know that each retro is different, and the 2016 version's specific features—the higher patent leather cut and the '45' embroidery—may not be replicated in the next release. This scarcity of a specific, highly-desired design profile ensures the 2016 Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam' will remain a foundational piece for any serious sneaker collection for years to come.