Jordan Brand is preparing to give Air Jordan 12 fans the chance to take a ride in a new sort of “Taxi.”
The Air Jordan 12 “Red Taxi” will release in May while playing on the original “Taxi” colorway from 1996. Most of the components remain the same for the new edition, as the the sneaker is split into distinct white and black halves. White leather with lines inspired by Japan’s Rising Sun flag form the majority of the upper, while black mudguards anchor the toe and lead into a predominantly black sole unit.
The differences, and the namesake color, arrive through small midfoot panels just above the midsole, as well as tongue, heel and outsole branding all in red. Instead of gold tone, the upper two rungs of metal eyelets now appear in silver. On the heel pull, the gold box that houses the Jumpman has also been swapped for silver.
“Taxi” was the launch colorway for the Air Jordan 12 when it released at the end of 1996 with inspiration also taken from high heels. It was the first Air Jordan sneaker to utilize a Zoom Air unit, and continued to use a carbon fiber shank like the Air Jordan 11. Although the Swoosh stopped appearing on Air Jordans beginning with the Air Jordan 2, the Air Jordan 12 was the first to model release after Jordan became its own brand and was thus the first not to feature any form of Nike branding.
Michael Jordan favored the “Taxi” edition throughout the 1996-1996 season, although the black and red Air Jordan 12 worn during his famous NBA Finals Game 5 “Flu Game” performance is the one most strongly associated with the fifth of the Chicago Bulls’ six championships. The “Cherry” edition was also a crucial part of the model’s original run and was just reissued in 2023. The last time the OG “Taxi” dropped was in 2018.
The Air Jordan 12 “Red Taxi” will release May 25 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $200.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
