Nelly once sang “give me two pairs” and I didn’t understand him. While Nelly and his St. Lunatics crooned for an extra pair of the easily-obtainable Air Force 1 — a shoe we all love for its simplicity — the old Angel thought it foolish to own two pairs of the same shoes simultaneously.

The Air Jordan XI “Space Jam” inspires me to rethink that notion. Yes, the 2009 release has problems with yellowing soles (in that it happens too quickly), but I honestly believe the design is a masterpiece. The patent leather hugs the shoe and gives it a luxurious feel, while the mesh upper balances it for casual purposes.

The Space Jams can be the eye-grabbing centerpiece of a planned outfit, or the comfortable accent to a more rugged look. To explain, these shoes can boost your confidence for a night on the town, or complement your cargo shorts on an aimless afternoon stroll. I’ve worn them for all of the above.

To put the possibilities in perspective, I’m wearing the sneakers in the attached pictures while strolling around Midtown during my lunch break. I wore Levi’s 559 jeans (Range), a black Champion sweatshirt, a black North Face vest, and a Chicago White Sox fitted hat.

Now I need a few more pairs… *ahem*… purrs. I need a few more purrs. Sorry about that, Nelly.