Originally released from 1996-97, the Air Jordan XII draws inspiration from a 19th Century women’s fashion shoe as well as the Japanese Rising Sun flag. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 12 would go down as one of the most popular Air Jordans of all-time. Worn on-court by Michael Jordan during the 1996-97 NBA season, en route to a 69-13 record and second consecutive championship.
In 2003-04 the Air Jordan 12 Retro made its debut. Released in both original and non-OG colorways. Among them was the “Playoff” edition. It dropped in February 2004 and was re-released in April of 2012. In commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of MJ’s 12th signature sneaker, Jordan Brand is bringing back this original colorway for a much needed third time. It is also a part of the brand's Spring 2022 Retro Footwear Collection.
Coinciding with the 2022 NBA All-Star festivities that will be held in Cleveland, it is the perfect time and place for the Air Jordan 12 Retro “Playoff” to make its return. It was there on February 8th, 1997 that Michael Jordan would debut the “Playoff” AJ 12 on-court while helping lead the Eastern Conference to victory over the West, 132-120. He would later go on to rock them during the 1997 NBA Playoffs en route to his fourth NBA Championship with the Chicago Bulls.
Keeping things OG everything, the 2022 Air Jordan 12 Retro “Playoff” is as close to its original 1997 edition as it ever has been. Featuring a black-based full leather upper, white mudguard, carbon fiber shank plate, metallic silver accents, red branding and the kitchen sink! If you missed out on prior releases or need a re-up one thing is for certain, these Air Jordan’s are already a must-have release in 2022.
The Air Jordan 12 Retro Playoff is set to release on February 19th, 2022. It will launch at Nike as well as select Jordan Brand retailers both in-store and online. They will be available in full-family sizing from men down to toddler. Men’s pairs will retail for $200. Keep it locked to our Twitter and Mobile App to stay up to date on this release as it gets closer.
UPDATE 02/23/22: The Air Jordan 12 Retro Playoff has been pushed back once more. It will now be released on March 11th, 2022.
UPDATE 02/07/22: The Air Jordan 12 Retro Playoff will now be released on March 1st, 2022 instead of February 19th.
Air Jordan 12 Retro "Playoff"
Color: Black/Varsity Red-White-Metallic Silver
Style Code: CT8013-006
Release Date: 03/11/2022
Price: $200 (men); $150 (GS); $90 (PS); $70 (TD)
Image via Nike
Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
