In 2025, Jordan Brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the long-awaited return of the Air Jordan 12 'Taxi.' Originally designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1996, this iconic silhouette has captured the hearts of basketball fans and sneaker collectors for decades.
The Air Jordan 12 drew inspiration from unexpected sources, including wingtip shoes and women's fashion. Its iconic toecap was influenced by a women's heeled derby featuring patent leather, diverging from the smoother leather of the Jordan 11. The shoe's design also incorporated elements from Japanese culture, particularly the "Rising Sun" flag emblem. Crafted under Tinker Hatfield's creative direction, the Air Jordan 12 features a large solid leather panel spanning from the midfoot to the toe, complemented by stitched lines on the contrasting upper. The design was a hit, and Michael Jordan winning his fifth championship in the shoe further solidified its legendary status.
The Air Jordan 12 'Taxi' is a masterpiece of design, blending sophistication with sportswear functionality. Its upper is simple, featuring a leather construction dressed in white and black. The combination of metallic gold and red accents adds a pop and luxurious touch to the shoe. From its inception, the 'Taxi' colorway has been arguably one of the greatest Air Jordans of all time and will now make a return in its original form in late 2025.
