Best Jordan 12 Colorways – Our Picks Before the Shoe’s 30th!
The Air Jordan 12 has never needed to be flashy to earn respect in the industry. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1996, the silhouette blended luxury-inspired design with serious on-court performance, becoming one of the most celebrated sneakers in Jordan Brand history. Now, with the Jordan 12 set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, there’s no better time to look back at the colorways that helped build its reputation! So, here are our personal picks for the best Jordan 12 colorways! These pairs continue to stand out thanks to their stories, timeless looks, and lasting influence.
Best Jordan 12 Colorways – Unforgettable Styles!
Jordan 12 Flu Game
No Jordan 12 conversation starts anywhere else. The Air Jordan 12 Flu Game became legendary after Michael Jordan wore the black and red pair during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. Battling illness (most likely food poisoning), Jordan delivered one of the greatest performances in basketball history, scoring 38 points while leading the Chicago Bulls to a crucial victory.
Beyond the history, the color blocking is nearly perfect. The premium black leather upper paired with textured varsity red mudguards gives the sneaker a bold yet clean look that still feels fresh decades later. For many collectors, this is the defining Jordan 12.
Jordan 12 Taxi
The Taxi is everything a classic sneaker should be. Originally released in 1996, this was one of the OG Jordan 12 colorways. The white tumbled leather upper, black mudguard, and gold eyelets created a premium appearance that stood apart from most basketball shoes of the era. The small yellow detail on the outsole inspired the “Taxi” nickname and became one of the model’s signature touches.
Simple, wearable, and instantly recognizable, the Taxi remains one of the easiest Jordan 12s to pair with almost anything. Of course, black and white sneakers never go out of style, which explains why we love them!
Jordan 12 Wings
Jordan Brand took a different approach with the Jordan 12 Wings, turning the sneaker into a tribute to education and opportunity. Released in 2016, the pair arrived as part of the Wings initiative, a program that supports youth education through scholarships and community investment. The black brush-off leather upper wears away over time to reveal a metallic gold wings pattern underneath. And y’all know how much we love easter eggs!
The concept, premium materials, and meaningful story make the Wings one of the best Jordan 12 colorways ever. Of course, the cause behind the kicks makes them stand out even more, and we love that!
Jordan 12 Cherry
The Cherry 12s prove that sometimes the OGs still hit the hardest. First released in 1997, the white and varsity red colorway became a fan favorite thanks to its bright, clean design that perfectly matched the Bulls’ team colors. It retroed several times over the years, including a faithful comeback in 2023. That drop introduced the colorway to a brand-new generation and gave them the chance to experience the kicks!
Whether on foot or on display, the Cherry delivers everything people love about the Jordan 12. It might not be as influential as the Flu Game or Taxi, but real collectors know exactly why it deserves a place among the best!
Jordan 12 Obsidian
For those who prefer understated colorways, the Obsidian has always been a standout. Originally released in 1997, the sneaker swaps the traditional Bulls-inspired palette for deep navy blue with crisp white leather. University Blue accents add just enough contrast without taking away from the clean overall design.
The Obsidian feels versatile while still carrying that unmistakable Jordan 12 DNA. But the best news here? It’s that this colorway is coming back in 2027 to celebrate the silhouette’s 30th anniversary!
A Jordan Classic That Keeps Getting Better
Nearly three decades after its debut, the Air Jordan 12 continues to hold its place among the greatest sneakers ever released. As the silhouette approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027, its legacy feels stronger than ever. From iconic moments on the court to meaningful storytelling, the Jordan 12 has built a catalog that few sneakers can match. Mind you, this list is a personal one, and there are plenty more AJ12 colorways to choose from. After all, taste is personal, amirite? See you around fam!