Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” Receives Its Best Look Yet

BY Ben Atkinson
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The Air Jordan 12 "Obsidian" is finally returning after 15 years, and the first look shows a faithful nod to the 1997 original.

The Air Jordan 12 "Obsidian" is back, and the wait is almost over. It's set to release on January 23rd, 2027 for $215. That's the first retro of this OG in 15 years.

This is a proper return. Navy leather covers the upper, with a white mudguard and those blue accents. The classic stitched lines across the sides are all intact.

The shape matters here too. The 2012 retro got mixed reactions because it didn't quite match the original build. This version reportedly sticks closer to the 1997 look, which should please purists.

Full family sizing is expected, so everyone can grab a pair. Adults cost $215, and grade school pairs are around $155. Look for it on Nike.com, SNKRS, and select Jordan Brand retailers. The style code is CT8013-401.

January is usually a quiet month for big releases. A navy and white OG like this gives it a strong start. It also lands just ahead of the colorway's 30th anniversary in February.

Now, fans who missed the 2012 pair finally get a second shot. With a 15-year gap, expect pretty big demand on release day. The pair has never been a loud shoe, and that's part of its appeal.

Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian”

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The "Obsidian" isn't tied to a famous Michael Jordan moment. He never wore it in an NBA game, which makes it rare among the original 12s. It still became a fan favorite on looks alone.

The Air Jordan 12 launched in 1997 with only five original colorways. "Flu Game," "Taxi," "Cherry," and "Playoffs" have the bigger stories, but this one skipped the Bulls palette entirely.

Tinker Hatfield designed the 12, drawing stitched lines inspired by the rising sun. It was also the first Air Jordan with a full-length Zoom Air unit.

The navy and blue palette gives it a calm look that works in any season. It goes with jeans, sweats, or a suit. Overall, that's a pretty big reason it has lasted so long.

About The Author
Benjamin Atkinson is a sneaker content writer at HotNewHipHop, where he has been covering the latest sneaker releases and industry news since 2023. With a deep understanding of the sneaker market, Ben regularly reports on exclusive sneaker drops, collaborations, and trends shaping the footwear world. From covering the return of top Nike releases to writing about Travis Scott's famous Air Jordan collaboration, Ben delivers in-depth content for the sneakerhead community. He also brings valuable insights from his former sneaker reselling business, Midwest Soles, which sharpens his expertise on the market.

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