Jordan Retro 12

Whatever route you choose, the Jordan Retro 12 can take you there.

A 12 for every 1

Realizing it had something special on its hands, Nike began re-releasing its most popular Air Jordan silhouettes in 1994. The Swoosh spun off Jordan as a standalone brand just three years later, letting the iconic Jumpman logo stand – soar – on its own two feet.

The original Air Jordan XII dropped in November 1996, at the beginning of Chicago’s run toward a fifth championship. The Jordan Retro 12 first re-released in 2003 and regularly revisits the Champs Sport lineup.

Designer Tinker Hatfield drew inspiration for the 12, his 10^th straight creation since taking over on the Air Jordan III, from the vintage Japanese flag, the Nisshoki. While the radiating stitched lines of the upper gave that nod to the past, the technology was decidedly forward-thinking.

The 12 was the first Air Jordan to feature Nike’s proprietary low-profile Zoom Air, encased in a Phylon lightweight-foam midsole. And it continued the use, on the Air Jordan XI, of a carbon-fiber shank plate in the midfoot for torsional (twisting) stability.

It was envisioned to perform, and to look amazing doing it.

Kids can get a piece of the Jordan heritage, too, as so many Retro 12 styles come in sizes for them.

A history of history

Every Jordan Retro is like a page from a yearbook. Each model tells part of Michael Jordan’s story. The Retro 12 will be remembered for the “Flu Game,” when MJ braved flu-like symptoms to will Chicago to a game 5 victory over Utah in the 1997 finals.

The Jordan Retro 1, of course, honors the shoe that started it all. The Wings logo, MJ’s first in his signature series, appears embossed on the ankle collar, while the prominent Swoosh and leather overlays feature bold colorblocking that kicked up quite a stir when the original Air Jordan released in 1985.

The Retro 3 represents the shoe that kept MJ with Nike. The designers of his first two signature shoes had left to form their own company, and they would’ve been more than happy to have MJ join them. But Hatfield’s inaugural effort in the Jordan series introduced the groundbreaking elephant print on the upper, announcing to MJ and the rest of the sneaker world that things were just getting started.

Jordan’s Retro 11, which brought patent leather to the sneaker world when it debuted in 1995, has been the Holy Grail of sneakers since it began revisiting retail outlets since 2000. It’s been a highly anticipated annual holiday release since 2008.

Whichever Jordan Retro you choose, you have plenty of ways to complete your look with Jordan apparel and accessories. Retro 12 backpacks will help you accentuate the theme, while Jordan tees, shorts, fleece pants, and hoodies will finish your hookup.