Jordan 12 Retro Cherry (2023)

Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Cherry' (2023)

The Air Jordan 12 'Cherry' traces its roots to the 1996–97 NBA season, when Michael Jordan wore the silhouette throughout Chicago's championship run — debuting the colorway in the season opener against the Boston Celtics. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the AJ12 drew inspiration from Japan's Rising Sun flag and the profile of a 19th-century women's dress boot, resulting in one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the Air Jordan line.

The 2023 retro (CT8013-116) brings the colorway back faithfully, featuring a white tumbled leather upper with sunrise-inspired stitch lines radiating across the side panels, Varsity Red pebbled leather mudguards, a red midsole, and a herringbone-traction outsole. Black details appear on the Jumpman and 'TWO 3' tongue branding, the sock liner, and the heel-tab strip, completing the Bulls home-game palette. The retro-inspired box was designed to echo the original 1997 packaging.

Technically, the AJ12 was the first Air Jordan to feature full-length Zoom Air cushioning and carried over the carbon fiber shank plate introduced in the Air Jordan 11. Prior to this 2023 release, the 'Cherry' had only retroed once — in 2009 — making this just its second retro appearance in over two decades.

Details

• Style Code: CT8013-116
• Colorway: White / Black / Varsity Red
• Original Release: 1997
• 2023 Retro Release: October 28, 2023 (family sizing) / January 25, 2024 (full launch)
• Retail Price (2023): $210
• Upper: White tumbled leather with sunrise-inspired stitching; Varsity Red pebbled leather mudguard
• Cushioning: Full-length Zoom Air with carbon fiber shank plate
• Outsole: Herringbone traction pods
• Notable Detail: 'TWO 3' tongue branding; stainless steel eyelets; retro-inspired box
• Designer: Tinker Hatfield
• Gender: Men's