Air Jordan 12

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History of the Air Jordan 12

Nike followed up the release of the Air Jordan 11 with another certified masterpiece: the Air Jordan 12. One of the most stylish and top performing Air Jordan sneakers in the collection’s history, the Jordan 12 was front and center when Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to yet another NBA Championship in 1997.

Michael Jordan used the Air Jordan 12 during the 1996-1997 NBA season, making it a legendary silhouette in the Air Jordan lineage. A Ma Maniére x Wmns Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Black’, A Ma Maniére x Wmns Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘White’, and Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Black Taxi’ are among the classic colorways of the Air Jordan 12 from its first release until the memorable ‘Flu Game’ in which MJ scored 38 points in a crucial NBA Finals match.

The Jordan 12 was released in five original colorways: the “Bred,” “Cherry,” “Playoff,” “Taxi, “ and “Obsidian.” Of the lot, the first four were worn by Jordan in the NBA, with the “Obsidian” Jordan 12 being more of a lifestyle colorway.

The Jordan 12 was the first Air Jordan shoe with Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning technology incorporated into its midsole.

Jordan Brand continues to release the Air Jordan 12 in modern times. Some of the silhouette’s most popular, non-original colorways come from Public School New York’s high-fashion-inspired collaborations, Drake’s “OVO” themed colorway, as well as the “University Gold,” and more.

The Air Jordan 12 was Michael Jordan’s go-to sneaker when he gutted out an improbable performance while battling illness in the ‘97 NBA Finals, and a must-have for sneaker collectors looking to own a piece of sportswear history today.

In terms of performance, this shoe did not shy away from innovative technology. New materials like Zoom Air cushioning were added to improve comfort and function. The sole was also re-worked to add texture and improve traction on the court.

The Air Jordan 12 became a legendary athletic shoe when Michael Jordan, sick with the flu, scored 38 points in the 1997 NBA Finals while wearing the sneakers. Style-wise, the Jordan 12 has had collaborations with brands like OVO and PSNY. In 2019, the Jordan 12 Retro FIBA in White/University Red-Metallic Gold was released. This shoe is a refined celebration of the amateur World Cup of basketball.