Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” Returns for 30th Anniversary

Jordan Brand is already looking ahead to a milestone year for one of its most celebrated silhouettes. According to early reports, the Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” will return in 2027, marking the colorway’s 30th anniversary and adding another chapter to the long-running legacy of the Jordan 12 Retro line.

Originally released in 1997, the Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” debuted alongside several other original colorways when the model first launched during Michael Jordan’s historic 1996–97 season. Designed by Tinker Hatfield under the Nike umbrella, the silhouette introduced a new design language for the Air Jordan series, inspired by Japan’s rising sun motif and built with premium leather construction, helping it stand apart from earlier models.

The Air Jordan 12 quickly became one of the most recognizable entries in the Jordan catalog, especially with iconic styles like the "Flu Game" and "Playoff" editions dominating iconic on-court moments. Those pairs helped define the silhouette’s legacy during Jordan’s championship run with the Chicago Bulls, and both the "Flu Game" and "Playoff" colorways remain among the most celebrated retro releases in Nike Basketball history.

While the Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” never appeared on Michael Jordan during an NBA game, the design carried its own unique significance. Instead of Bulls-inspired tones, the colorway leaned toward a navy and white palette that nodded to Jordan’s college roots at the University of North Carolina. That connection helped the Jordan 12 Retro “Obsidian” stand out among its original counterparts.

Following its debut in 1997, the Jordan 12 Retro “Obsidian” remained in the vault for years before eventually returning in 2012. The upcoming 2027 Jordan 12 Retro is expected to stay faithful to the original build, bringing back the signature white leather upper, obsidian overlays, and metallic eyelets that defined the OG. Classic Jumpman branding is also expected to appear on the tongue and outsole, keeping the retro presentation aligned with the silhouette’s heritage.

The Jordan 12 Retro line has long been a cornerstone of Nike and Jordan Brand’s yearly new releases, consistently appearing alongside beloved colorways like the French Blue edition. The French Blue version itself has seen multiple retro runs over the years, further demonstrating how the Jordan 12 Retro remains a favorite among collectors and longtime fans.

Beyond Michael Jordan, the silhouette also holds a place in broader basketball culture. During his famous sneaker-free agency period in the early 2000s, Kobe Bryant notably wore several Air Jordan models on court, including the Air Jordan 12, highlighting the design's performance credibility even outside the Jumpman athlete roster.

With the Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” returning in 2027, the Jordan 12 Retro lineup will once again revisit one of its original colorways as part of the silhouette’s anniversary celebrations. Like past retro runs, the release is expected to arrive in full family sizing, including a Grade School offering.

The Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” retro is currently expected to release sometime in 2027 as part of Jordan Brand’s upcoming slate of Nike-backed new releases. More details on the Jordan 12 Retro “Obsidian” should emerge closer to the sneaker’s 30th anniversary launch.

Until then, you can stay updated with the brand's latest releases via our dedicated Air Jordan Release Dates page.