The Air Jordan 12 is often revered as one of the most durable and sturdy pairs in Michael Jordan’s signature line.
Released in December of 1996, the Tinker Hatfield-designed sneaker arrived at a pivotal moment in sports history- the moment the Bulls’ dynasty was reemerging. At the time, Michael Jordan was chasing a back-to-back title. As we all know, though, the Bulls would go on not only to win back-to-back titles but also to secure a three-peat the following year.
The Air Jordan 12 was at the center stage for the Bulls’ resurgence. Hell, the Flu Game 12s helped cement one of the most iconic moments not only in the aforementioned dynasty but in sneaker history as a whole.
The original colorways of the Air Jordan 12 all have a sliver of history. It would be hard not to, because they were part of Jordan’s signature line during his prime, after all. That said, there is one pair that started it all for the model- and that pair is slated to return this weekend.
THE TAXI COLORWAY INTRODUCED THE 12 TO THE WORLD
Yes, the Flu Games created some of the best Michael Jordan lore. The Obsidians went away from the Chicago Bulls’ colors, and the Playoffs dressed Jordan during his dominant run in 1997. But it was the Taxi colorway that set the precedent. It was that very sneaker that set the stage for the success the model would go on to have in 1996 and since.
Jordan wearing the Taxis in the 1996 Christmas Day win over the Pistons via Getty
THE OUTSOLE DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM NEW YORK TAXI CABS
A good sneaker needs a good nickname. And the Taxi 12 gets it’s nickname from the iconic method of transit in the Big Apple. Hatfield, known to draw inspiration from a plethora of things, designed the Air Jordan 12 after being inspired by 19th-century dress boots amongst other things. That fact is sneaker head 101. What is a little less known, though, is the fact the ‘Taxi’ nickname literally comes from the taxi yellow details on the sneaker’s outsole and pull tab.
THE TAXI 12 BROUGHT ZOOM AIR TO THE AIR JORDAN LINE
Not only were they among the most durable Air Jordan sneakers at that time- they were also among the most comfortable. That is all thanks to the introduction Zoom Air technology onto the Air Jordan 12. The Taxi pair brought a full-length Zoom Air cushion to the sneaker’s sole. This breakthrough in comfort has continued to appear within Jordan Brand sneakers since.
The taxi inspired outsole was complimented with Zoom Air cushioning via Nike
THE FIRST RETRO WAS LONG TEASED FOR SNEAKER HEADS
By the time sneaker collecting as a hobby exploded in popularity at the turn of the century, the original Taxi 12 was already a toddler. Because of their durability and comfortability, the Air Jordan 12 quickly became a favorite of the sneaker internet forums. Fans would have to wait a while for another chance at the Taxi at retail, though.
That said, the Taxi made some appearance, albeit not in OG form. The Taxi 12 Low would release in 2004. Four years later in 2008, Nike and Air Jordan would introduce the ‘Fusion Line’- a mash up of classic Jordan sneakers and the Air Force 1. The sneaker that would introduce this line would, in fact, be a Fusion Air Jordan 12 Taxi. Both of these releases were a tease for sneaker heads, bu, in a Christmas Miracle, their prayers would be answered in December of 2008.
THIS YEARS RETRO WILL MARK THE FOURTH TIME THE TAXI 12 RELEASES
The Air Jordan Countdown Packs celebrated 23 years of Jordan Brand history. The celebration began January of 2008, and closed on December 20th, 2008- when the Bred Air Jordan 11 released with the Taxi 12 officially marking the return of the Taxi in OG form.
Since that 2008 release, the Taxi 12 has saw the retro treatment in 2013 and 2018. Thus, giving fans of the sneakers ample opportunities to grab such a significant sneaker. Now, seven years since last launching, the Taxi 12 is releasing this weekend for the fourth time.
The ever iconic Air Jordan 12 Taxi releases November 18th at 10 am EST via SNKRS.
