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On the shoe’s upper, a molded collar optimizes fit and enhances ankle support.
Jordan
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Melo M11 Price: $160 Weight: 12.5 oz.
The collar features a distinctive pattern produced by repetition of the letter M.
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A webbed strapping system wraps the foot to provide lockdown.
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The upper features synthetic leather for support and lightweight durability.
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Perforated details enhance breathability.
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FlightPlate features a moderator plate placed directly over the forefoot Nike Zoom unit to create a larger sweet spot and ample cushioning.
Upgraded FlightPlate is designed to harness and return energy from every step for explosive liftoff.
The foam heel counter integrates into the midsole, bringing strength and support.
OUR TAKE: As Jordan Brand’s longest tenured signature athlete, it is remarkable that Melo has 11 signature kicks to his name. Melo acknowledged that he has matured a lot since entering the League and for his 11th signature sneaker he wanted something that gave a sophisticated look. With the clean color palettes he was able to sink in patterns to explain the narrative behind the shoe. Through four distinct colorways and titles, the M11 draws inspiration from Melo’s strong connection to New York City. The “Concrete Island” colorway meshes the colors of NYC with a gray forefoot representing the cement and the detailing on the tongue is homage to the city’s great graffiti scene. The “Red Hook Sunset” color scheme draws from Melo’s childhood growing up in Brooklyn and the sunsets in Red Hook that he remembers vividly as a child. The “Jordan Family” features the traditional colorways worn by MJ (black, red, and white) a symbol to pay homage to the brand that has been behind him his whole career. The last colorway features a premium black and gold palette that sparks his love for luxurious things. It is also a tribute to his fans and will let them decide the official name for the shoe via social media. Performance-wise, the sneaker is one of the lightest Jordan Brand products to date. Sticking with its innovative FlightPlate system (found on most of its basketball offerings), the M11 is another example of the the Jumpman team steadily building a lineup of some of the best performance sneakers. FlightPlate gives great energy transfer from heel to forefoot, giving the wearer a feeling of “springboard” off every step. The sneaker provides you with a serious lockdown system in the forefoot, creating tremendous balance and everything you need to maneuver on the court. If you need some kicks that test high in performance, these are definitely worth giving a shot.—#3
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