Air Jordan 12 Release Dates

In 1996 the Air Jordan 12 made its debut. It was the first Air Jordan model to feature Zoom Air. Inspiration for the design comes from women’s high heel shoes and the Japanese Rising Sun flag. In addition to Zoom Air, an improved carbon fiber shank plate and a modified herringbone pattern on the outsole for traction made the AJ 12 one of the best performance basketball sneakers of its time.

Outside of its clean colorways, the Air Jordan 12 is mainly recognized for its tie-in with Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game.” Prior to Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan ate some pizza, suffered from food poisoning, and fell ill. The next day, Michael Jordan, with flu-like symptoms, put on one of the most incredible performances of his career. In 44 minutes of play, MJ racked up 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block, including a tie-breaking 3-point shot with 25 seconds left in the game. Forever known as the “Flu Game,” MJ wore the black and varsity red colorway of the Air Jordan 12, tying their legacies together.

The Air Jordan 12 was initially released in five colorways: Taxi, Cherry, Obsidian, Playoff, and Flu Game. Jordan rocked the AJ 12 on-court for the entire 1996-97 NBA season en route to his fifth NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls and second back-to-back title.

Since 2003, we have seen the Air Jordan 12 Retro in various OG and new colorways, which we still see today. Collaborators, including OVO, A Ma Maniere, PSNY, and Eastside Golf have all been fortunate enough to design their own exclusive AJ 12. Some of them made it to retail, while others did not. Some new colorways have even ranked up there next to the OG’s, such as the Alternate, Nubuck, UNC, and French Blue. Almost thirty years later, the AJ 12 is still as iconic as ever.

Originally retailing for $135, the Air Jordan 12's retail price has increased through the years and now has a sticker price of $200 for men, $150 for GS, $90 for PS, and $75 for TD. Retail also increases depending on the colorway/release, occasionally up to $275. Find all the Jordan 12's past and present on Sole Retriever today!