We all know that on December 25 Santa makes his annual trek around the globe to deliver presents to all the good little boys and girls. But even Santa has to make a stop at his local sneaker store before then to pick up the annual holiday release of the Air Jordan 11. His elves can't make those, and even if they try to, Nike will surely haul his jolly butt into court for counterfeiting their product. Just like the rest of us, Santa is eagerly anticipating the December 20th release of the Air Jordan 11 Retro "Legend Blue". Formerly known as "Columbia", the blue on the shoe switched over to "Legend" status due to a possible trademark infringement with Columbia University, as well as to emphasize the connection to Mike's alma mater, UNC.

Mike debuted these shoes at the 1996 All Star game in San Antonio, his first appearance at the annual mid-season exhibition since coming back from his failed baseball excursion. He scored 20 points and walked away with the game's MVP trophy. Every year the holiday release of Air Jordan 11's is the MVP of Jordan Brand's retro catalog, and this year is no different. Appearing for the first time since 2001, the "Legend Blue" 11, despite the name change, will look the same as ever. The classic white on white upper consisting of patent leather and ballistic mesh features blue accents that hue closer to Carolina blue than the original, and the icy sole is a tad milkier as well. This is not a copy of the "Columbia" we saw in '96 and '01, it is a slightly re-vamped take on an OG colorway that is a must cop for any self-respecting Jordan fanatic .

Like the "Black Infrared" 6 release last month, tickets will be required to purchase these. We have already distributed all tickets for this release, so if you do not have an official City Blue ticket for this shoe, you will not be able to buy it from City Blue. If you do have a ticket, congratulations. You will soon be the owner of the hottest sneaker of the year and the envy of sneakerheads everywhere... including the North Pole.