Profile of the Air Jordan 12 Retro
In the face of adversity, Michael Jordan put up a heroic performance en route to his fifth NBA Championship when he was able to lead his Chicago Bulls to a crucial Game 5 win against the Utah Jazz in the 1997 NBA Finals. He finished the game with 38 points, seven rebounds, and five assists while suffering from a 103-degree fever.
Famed as the “Flu Game” shoe, the Air Jordan XII Retro has become an all-time favorite among sneakerheads and players alike. Its superior construction has also earned it the reputation of being one the most durable Air Jordans ever made.
These classic Air Jordan basketball shoes are made of premium and synthetic leathers that offer a luxurious look. It features a carbon fiber shank that increases responsiveness while a full-length Air sole unit cushions your every step.
Performance
Cushion. The Air Jordan 12 Retro features a full-length Zoom Air bag that offers lightweight cushioning.
The Zoom Air unit is embedded in a Phylon carrier to keep the feet completely comfortable. A carbon fiber spring plate enhances responsiveness.
Traction. These retro Air Jordan basketball shoes have a durable rubber outsole that features a herringbone traction pattern for increased grip on any surface.
Fit
Aside from enhancing the responsiveness of the Zoom Air unit, the carbon fiber shank plate also offers ideal support when performing medial and lateral movements.
These retro Air Jordan basketball shoes also feature a quick lacing system that secures the foot firmly into the footbed.
Material
Depending on the colorway, the Air Jordan XII Retro’s upper is either made of leather or supple suede.
Perforations along the leather offer breathability while overlays throughout the upper add durability.
Style
Similar to Michael’s very own style, the Air Jordan 12’s design expresses striking elegance. These basketball shoes take inspiration from the Japanese rising sun flag called Nisshoki and a women’s dress cleat from the 19th century.
The overlays feature a lizard print design while stitching on the upper resembles sun rays. Completing the shoe’s signature look is the unique “TWO 3” stitched on the tongue.
With its iconic silhouette and the narrative behind it, the Air Jordan Retro 12 has transcended the hardwood and has become a streetwear staple.
Special Colorways of the Air Jordan 12 Retro
The five original colorways of the Air Jordan 12 are White/Black-Taxi, White/Varsity Red-Black, Obsidian/White-French Blue, Black/Varsity Red, and Black/Varsity Red-White-Metallic Silver.
Since being retroed in 2003, 2009, and 2016, these Air Jordan basketball shoes have reached over 20 colorways including popular ones such as Nubuck, Flu Game, Bordeaux, Taxi, Obsidian, French Blue, Playoff, Rising Sun, Wings, Wolf Grey, and a women’s edition called UNC.
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