Image via Complex Original
Even if you weren't a huge fan of the Air Jordan XII when they came out, you had to respect what they represented. The first Air Jordan to feature Zoom Air, and the first to be released as a product of Jordan's own brand, they were also the first to not feature a Swoosh anywhere, not even on the insoles. A bulkier and more supportive sneaker than the iconic Air Jordan XI, the XII was worn by guards and forwards and centers all, from Ron Harper and Scottie Pippen to Bill Wennington and Luc Longley (which Mike himself said was "like putting whitewalls on a garbage truck." With the black/white All-Star/playoff models re-releasing tonight, we felt it was time to rank The 10 Best Air Jordan XIIs. Go in.
10. Air Jordan Retro XII "Flu Game"
Originally Released: 2009
Most sportswriters rank Jordan’s “Flu Game” as one of the most courageous moments in sports history. How many players you know can score 38 points shitting on his opponents when rumored to be shitting his own drawers? In 2009, Jordan retroed the black/red colorway he wore in that game, flipping the black upper to nubuck and adding some appropriate graphics to commemorate that performance. Literally sick.
9. Air Jordan Retro XII "French Blue"
Year released: 2004
Were the "French Blue" XIIs made for Mike to rock in Washington? We never found out, since His Airness exited the league for a third and final time before we saw him rock these on the floor. Rip Hamilton wore them in Detroit, but it wasn't quite the same.
8. Air Jordan Retro XII "Melo"
Original Release: 2004
After Jordan Brand picked up Carmelo Anthony fresh out of Syracuse it wasn't long before they started catering to their future with player editions of some of the sickest Js. The XII were clean with an almost all-white upper and hits of Columbia Blue on the outsole and lining to pair with Denver's uniforms — a few college squads got good use out of them, too.
7. Air Jordan Retro XII "Rising Sun"
Original Release: 2009
One of the newest makeups of the XII series, the "Rising Sun" joints took the Japanese inspiration to the next level, paying more obvious homage to the country's flag with alternating "rays" of perforations on the tumbled leather upper. The glossy toeguard added some nice contrast, as did the black and red strap up the heel.
6. Air Jordan XII "White/Red"
Original Release: 1997
The second colorway of the XIIs to drop were a staple with the Bulls now-timeless black alternate uniforms. The varsity red was the perfect complement to the red pinstripes on the jerseys and shorts and Mike was bodying people seven days a week in red — Tiger, fall back. The translucent sole was a nod back to the XIs.
5. Air Jordan Retro XII "Nubuck"
Original Release: 2003
You can call these the first Melos. The nubuck retro XIIs came as part of a $200 package along with a hat and hoodie, and were nearly all black except for the tiniest hits of University Blue on the midsole and heel strap. A re-release would be more than welcome.
4. Air Jordan XII "All-Star"
Original Release: 1997
Playoffs? We're talking about...playoffs? Playoffs? Michael Jordan first broke out the black/white Air Jordan XIIs for the 1997 All-Star Game in Cleveland, where he became the first player in All-Star history to record a triple-double. Classic colorway, classic performance. These are the ones that re-launch at midnight tonight, and they will go fast.
3. Air Jordan XII "Obsidian"
Originally Released: 1997
Back in the late '90s, even the most elite players didn't get 6387453765 colorways of their signature shoe during the regular season. Heck, there wasn't even an Air Jordan XII Low until it became a retro. So the Obsidian XII was something special then, seeing that it was a non-Bulls colorway with just touches of what would qualify as Carolina blue on the outsole, strap and stitching. Released at the same time as the Varsity Red/White model, these disappeared from shelves with the quickness.
2. Air Jordan XII "Playoffs"
Original Release: 1997
Going to head-to-head against the Bulls on any given night was enough to fuck with a player's mentality but when you saw the black kicks and black socks there was no mercy. (We know the black/white XIIs are called the "Playoffs," but seeing that he debuted them in the All-Star game and wore the black/reds in his most memorable Finals game, a re-naming might be in order.) What time is it? GAME TIME.
1. Air Jordan XII "Taxi"
Original Release: 1997
The Air Jordan XIIs had a tough act to follow — and a lot to prove, as they were the first Air Jordan to be released under the Jordan brand. The "Taxi" XIIs, the first colorway, got the name from the hints of yellow subtly blending with the black on the carbon springplate. And as the first Air Jordan to feature Zoom Air, they performed as good as they looked. The two gold eyelets up top could have represented the two post-retirement championships or two Olympic gold medals — either way, they were that classy touch that Jordan has always been known for.