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Air Jordan 12 Colorways
The Air Jordan 12 was released in just 5 colorways when it debuted in 1996-97, but since has been released in more than 50. We have assembled a list of the best retro Air Jordan 12 colorways of all time.
Original Air Jordan 12 Colorways
Five colorways of the Air Jordan 12 released in 1996 and 1997. Michael Jordan wore four of the five colors during the season making the Obsidian colorway the only one not worn on the court.
Air Jordan 12 History
Jordan 12 Design
The Air Jordan 12 is a fan favorite among the Air Jordan lineup thanks to its simple yet sleek design by Tinker Hatfield. This design has allowed the shoe to remain popular for many years across multiple generations of Michael Jordan and sneaker fans. The remarkable achievements of Michael Jordan have become part of the Air Jordan 12’s story. The original release of the Air Jordan 12 was between 1996 and 1997, selling for $135 for the first four colorways and then $140 for the Playoff colorway. There were five initial color schemes for the Jordan 12. The first retro release came in 2003 just months after Michael Jordan retired from the NBA for the final time.
Regarding the shoe’s design, the Jordan 12 brought a few firsts to the line. The shoe was the first flagship Air Jordan to release after the launch of the newly formed Jordan Brand. Despite coming in a Nike box, it was the first Air Jordan to not have a single Nike logo or wordmark anywhere on the product inside or out. The Jordan 12 was also the first to feature Nike Zoom Air, but this was only in the Playoff version.
Memorable Moments
Jordan delivered some unforgettable moments wearing the Air Jordan 12. This includes his unforgettable shot in the first game of the NBA Finals and a 39-point game that secured their championship in Game 6. Michael Jordan also played the famous “Flu Game” in the Jordan 12. In 1997, his team, the Chicago Bulls, won their fifth title following a dominant season, finishing at the top of the league with a 69-13 record following the record setting 72-10 season the year prior. Michael Jordan led the scoring with an average of 29.6 points per game. The Bulls overcame the Utah Jazz 4-2 in the Finals with Jordan earning his fifth Finals MVP award.
Built to Win
The Jordan 12 is regarded by most as the most durable Air Jordan shoe boasting a solid and tough leather upper reinforced with the stitching pattern. The traction was improved with a modified herringbone pattern, and it included a better carbon fiber support plate. The Air Jordan 12 sports a red Jumpman logo on the tongue and metal lacing eyelets. It also showcases several branded features like the debossed Jumpman logos on the metallic silver lace stays, the embroidered TWO 3 on the tongue, Jordan texts along the heel tab, and a Jumpman on the tabs. Inspired by a women’s fashion shoe and the Japanese flag, Hatfield’s Jordan 12 remains a durable and stylish choice for sneaker enthusiasts.
Which Jordan 12s did Michael Jordan wear?
Michael Jordan wore four color ways of the Air Jordan 12 while playing for the Chicago Bulls in the 1996-97 NBA season. MJ wore the White/Black-Taxi and White/Varsity Red colorways the most during the regular season and then wore the “Black/Varsity Red “Playoff” colorway that was Black/White in the 1997 NBA All Star Game and post season along with the Black/Varsity Red colorway in the Finals.
