The Ultimate 2025 Guide: How To Buy Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam' (High & Low)

Securing a pair of the legendary Air Jordan 11 "Space Jam" in late 2025 requires a strategic approach, as the coveted high-top version is currently only available on the volatile resale market, with a major retail release not scheduled until 2026. This guide provides the most current information, distinguishing between the recently released Low model and the classic High, ensuring you know exactly where to look and what to expect to add this iconic sneaker to your collection.

The "Space Jam" colorway, famous for its black patent leather and iconic Varsity Royal accents, remains one of the most sought-after sneakers in history, first worn by Michael Jordan during the 1995 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic. With no official high-top retro in 2025, your options are split between chasing a secondary market deal or targeting the recent Low-top release.

The Current State of the Space Jam Jordan 11 Market (Late 2025)

As of late December 2025, the retail landscape for the Air Jordan 11 "Space Jam" is complex, demanding a clear understanding of the different models and their availability. The shoe’s scarcity is a direct result of its legendary status, tied to the 1996 movie *Space Jam* and MJ’s on-court history. Buying a pair now means navigating the secondary market or focusing on a specific, more recent release.

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The Air Jordan 11 Retro High "Space Jam" (2016 Release)

The last widespread retail release of the high-top "Space Jam" was the highly anticipated 2016 retro, which featured the "45" heel branding—a nod to the pair Michael Jordan wore during his brief return to the NBA. Since then, the shoe has become a pure resale commodity. Prices fluctuate heavily based on size, condition (Deadstock or Used), and the specific year of the release (2016, 2009, or the 2000 debut). Finding an authentic, unworn pair from 2016 can cost significantly more than the original $220 retail price.

Resale Market Entities:

• StockX
• GOAT
• Stadium Goods
• eBay (with Authenticity Guarantee)
• Flight Club

The Air Jordan 11 Retro Low "Space Jam" (2024 Release)

Crucially, the Air Jordan 11 Retro Low "Space Jam" *did* release recently on May 18, 2024, and saw limited restocks throughout 2025. This low-cut version offers the same iconic black patent leather mudguard and Varsity Royal Jumpman logo but in a summer-ready silhouette. This is the most "current" retail-adjacent version of the sneaker. While the initial drop is long gone, checking major retailers for unexpected restocks is your best bet for a near-retail price.

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Key Release Details for the Low:

• Release Date: May 18, 2024
• Retail Price: $190 USD
• Availability: Limited restocks at major retailers like DTLR and sometimes on the Nike SNKRS app.

5 Essential Steps to Secure an Authentic Pair

Whether you are chasing the 2016 High or a restock of the 2024 Low, authenticity is paramount. The "Space Jam" is one of the most counterfeited sneakers ever made. Follow these steps to ensure you are buying a genuine product.

1. Vet Your Resale Platform Aggressively

For the high-top model, only purchase from platforms that offer a rigorous authentication service. StockX, GOAT, and Stadium Goods are the industry standards, as they physically inspect the sneakers before shipping them to you. While their prices include a premium, the peace of mind is invaluable. Avoid unvetted third-party sellers on social media or local marketplaces for high-value shoes like this.

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2. Understand the Pricing for Deadstock vs. Used

The current market price for an authentic, deadstock (unworn) pair of the 2016 High can easily range from $400 to over $700, depending on the size. Used pairs will be significantly cheaper, but you must thoroughly inspect photos for patent leather cracking, sole yellowing, or scuffs. The Air Jordan 11’s icy blue outsole is prone to yellowing over time, which is a key factor in pricing older pairs.

3. Look for the "45" Heel Detail (2016 Retro)

The most recent and most common high-top retro, the 2016 version, features the number "45" stitched on the heel instead of the traditional "23." This detail is a major selling point for collectors, as it mirrors the pair worn by MJ when he first returned to the Chicago Bulls. If a listing claims to be the 2016 retro, verify the "45" branding. Older retros (2000, 2009) feature the "23."

4. Set Alerts for Low-Top Restocks

If you are happy with the low-cut silhouette, set up notifications on retailer apps and sneaker release tracking sites. Even a year after the initial drop, major retailers sometimes find misplaced inventory or fulfill late returns, leading to surprise restocks. This is the only chance to buy a "Space Jam" model at or near its original retail price in late 2025.

5. Prepare for the Holiday 2026 Release

The biggest news for fans of the original high-top is the highly anticipated rumor of the Air Jordan 11 "Space Jam" returning for the Holiday 2026 season. While this is still a ways off, planning now is crucial. The retail price is rumored to be $235, which will be significantly lower than the current resale price. This release will be the next major opportunity to buy the shoe directly from Nike and authorized Jordan Brand retailers. Start saving and prepare to enter the SNKRS app lottery when the time comes.

Topical Authority: Key Space Jam 11 Entities

The allure of the "Space Jam" colorway is rooted in its rich history and design elements. Understanding these entities deepens your appreciation and helps you spot fakes:

• Patent Leather: The shoe's defining feature, a glossy black mudguard that wraps around the entire shoe, inspired by high-end dress shoes.
• Michael Jordan: Debuted the shoe in the 1995 NBA Playoffs, making it instantly legendary.
• Tune Squad: The fictional basketball team from the 1996 movie *Space Jam*, which cemented the shoe's cultural status.
• Varsity Royal: The specific shade of blue used for the Jumpman logo and the traction pods on the outsole.
• Carbon Fiber Plate: Embedded in the midsole for torsional rigidity, a performance feature that became a signature design element.
• Tinker Hatfield: The legendary Nike designer responsible for the Air Jordan 11 silhouette.
• December Release: The Air Jordan 11 is traditionally the featured release for the holiday season, a tradition the "Space Jam" has followed in 2000, 2009, and 2016.

In summary, while the high-top Air Jordan 11 "Space Jam" is a resale-only purchase in late 2025, the recent release of the Low offers a more affordable alternative. For those with patience, the rumored Holiday 2026 retro provides the ultimate opportunity to grab the classic High at retail price.