Air Jordan 12

‘Playoffs’

During the NBA Finals in 1997, All-Star player Michael Jordan was wearing a pair of Air Jordan 12s. During this game against the Utah Jazz, Jordan had played his best NBA game as he scored 39 points, resulting in the Chicago Bulls’ win. What was so special about this specific game is that while Jordan was playing with the Air Jordan 12s, he was sick the entire time he played. Everyone watching thought Michael Jordan was ill with the flu, but the real culprit was severe food poisoning which was revealed during the documentary, The Last Dance. Michael Jordan was seen during the game being doused with ice packs whenever there was a timeout, along with being carried off the court by teammates as soon the game was finished. 

Originally released between 1996 and 1997, the Air Jordan 12 was the first sneaker of the Jordan line to be designed asymmetrically. After 1997 the Air Jordan 12 was put on hold until its resurgence in 2008, when it would then become released as part of Jordan Brand’s “Countdown Pack” series. This iconic sneaker embodies a sophisticated look with its unique aesthetic. As the first Jordan sneaker to feature Nike’s new revolutionary Zoom Air technology, the Air Jordan 12 differentiated itself from the Air Jordan 11. It also featured an improved carbon fiber shank. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 12’s asymmetrical design made a statement with its gold-plated eyelets and reptilian-like leather upper. The Japanese flag inspired the silhouette of this particular sneaker with its sun detailing along with the design of a 19th-century women’s dress shoe. Michael Jordan had a lot of input on this design and didn’t mind that the concept came from a women’s shoe. It was also Jordan’s idea to spell out two on the tongue. Coincidentally, the year of the Air Jordan 12’s debut was the same year that Nike’s Jordan sub-line became its entity—the Jordan Brand.

The latest addition to the Air Jordan 12 roster is the Air Jordan 12 ‘Playoffs.’ Introduced in family sizing, the iconic silhouette spotlights a tumbled leather upper with the signature metal eyelets at the top. The signature Japanese flag-inspired silhouette includes a back heel tab with signature Jordan branding embroidered underneath it, such as the iconic Jumpman and a stamped 23. The Jumpman makes another appearance at the tongue and outsole. The two-toned color scheme includes stitched lines placed within the premium tumbled leather upper, while the full-length Zoom Air cushioning offers optimal comfort. The carbon fiber shank plate and rubber outsole implemented with herringbone traction finish the durable and elevated sneaker.

FEATURE Release - Friday, March 11th

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Our FEATURE Release Draw ends Thursday, 3/10th, at 4 p.m. PST. All winners will receive notice the night before the official launch date if they have won.