Onto the Field: Jordan 12 Retro MCS Gym Red
Inspired by Japan's Rising Sun flag and a woman's 19th-century shoe's high heel (yes, you heard that correctly!), the Tinker Hatfield-designed Air Jordan 12 made its debut in 1996. MJ wanted a comfortable, durable heel that was also stylish, so he took his cue from a woman's shoe profile.
The OG Jordan 12 originated with five colourways in 1996 and 1997. The Air Jordan 12 Retro series was later introduced in 2003 and continues today. From OG colourways like "Taxi" and "Flu Game" to exclusive Retro collabs with OVO and PSNY, Air Jordan 12 trainers are sought after for their bold silhouette, sharp colour combos and long-wearing durability.
Air Jordan 12: History and a Brand New Launch
After the extraordinary success of the Air Jordan 11, Michael Jordan's 12th signature shoe was released in 1996. The official launch of the Jordan Brand occurred the following year, and the Jordan 12s were the last of the line to be sold in a Nike branded box.
Aesthetically, the AJ 12 merged details like stitched leather panels that resembled rays from the sun with a sleek shape based loosely on a 19th-century dress boot. Performance-wise, the Air Jordan 12s retained the revolutionary carbon fibre plate introduced in the Air Jordan 11 and added Nike Zoom Air cushioning - the first Jordan trainer to do so.
The Jordan 12 Gym Red steps off the court and onto the field as a pair of basketball-trainer-inspired cleats. Keeping the classic silhouette of the Jordan 12 Retro, this Air Jordan cleat features a patterned textile upper with a leather mudguard and sole. On the midsole is a metallic silver accent that reads Jumpman. That silver detail is also seen on the lace eyelets. A white toe and outsole finish off the shoe, and the bottoms of the trainers feature white spikes.
