Air Jordan XII – Another Japan-Inspired Air Jordan

The Air Jordan XII (12) was released in 1996 and was inspired by Japanese design, similar to the Air Jordan IX. The inspiration this time, was the Japanese flag. The unique design of the Air Jordan XII was inspired by the flag of the Japanese Army and Navy which has the red circle surrounded by a sunset. The stitching on the sides of the Air Jordan XII looked like sun rays similar to the Japanese Rising Sun flag. The Air Jordan XII was also inspired by a woman’s fashion shoe from the 19th century called Nisshoki.

The Most Durable Air Jordans

The design of the Air Jordan XII featured gold-plated steel lace loops, embossed lizard skin pattern. It was also the first Air Jordan to use Nike’s Zoom Air Technology which featured lightweight cushioning and lightning quick responsiveness. Although it was a little heavier than previous models, the Air Jordan XII is considered to be the most durable and sturdy shoe from the Air Jordan line. However, the Air Jordan XII’s got dirty easily and were quite hard to clean.

Creation of the Jordan Brand

The Jordan Brand was created in September 1997 as a sub-brand of Nike. The Air Jordan XII was one of the first products to belong to the brand new Jordan Brand collection. Because of this, the Air Jordan XII did not have Nike’s trademark swoosh or a Nike logo anywhere on the sneaker. Not even on the insole. When the Air Jordan XII was released, five different color variations were available.

Air Jordan XII In The Media

Air Jordan XII Commercial – Tell Me

Air Jordan XII Commercial – Frozen Moment