Jordan 12
Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Black Taxi’ Review: A Bold, Monochrome Statement in Premium Style
Introduction
The Air Jordan 12 stands as one of the most luxurious silhouettes in the Jordan legacy. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and originally released in 1996, the model was inspired by the Japanese “Rising Sun” motif and high-end fashion. It gained iconic status on the court thanks to Michael Jordan’s performance during the 1996-97 NBA season, and now returns in a sleek, modern form with the Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Black Taxi’.
This colorway offers an all-black leather build with subtle gold detailing, providing a sharp and versatile sneaker for both collectors and everyday wearers.
Design Breakdown: Premium Monochrome with Gold Luxury
The ‘Black Taxi’ colorway strips the AJ12 down to its essentials—clean lines, rich materials, and bold contrasts.
Design Highlights:
- Full black leather upper with pebbled and tumbled texture for depth
- Matching black overlays and stitched radiating lines evoke the original sunburst design
- Metallic taxi gold eyelets and midfoot branding for a luxe accent
- Jumpman branding on the tongue and heel tab in matching gold
- Black rubber sole unit with carbon fiber shank plate for stability
This colorway is simple, but not basic—it’s understated elegance for the streets.
Materials & Construction
Built with high-quality materials, the AJ12 ‘Black Taxi’ offers both durability and premium feel.
- Tumbled leather upper provides structure and elevated finish
- Rubber mudguard and outsole for protection and long-term wear
- Carbon fiber arch plate boosts stability and torsional support
- Full-length Zoom Air cushioning embedded in the sole
- Gold-finished metal eyelets resist wear and tarnish
These premium details make the ‘Black Taxi’ one of the most refined AJ12s released in recent years.
Comfort & Fit
The Air Jordan 12 has long been considered one of the most comfortable models in the retro lineup, and this version stays true to form.
Fit Profile:
- True to size for most wearers
- Padded collar and tongue offer excellent ankle comfort
- Zoom Air unit delivers responsive cushioning for long wear
- Structured leather may feel snug at first but breaks in well
Whether you’re rocking them casually or standing all day, they offer lasting support and comfort.
Versatility & Styling
Thanks to its all-black color palette and premium details, the ‘Black Taxi’ is extremely easy to style.
Style Ideas:
- Pair with black joggers or cargo pants for a tonal streetwear look
- Wear with dark denim and a hoodie or bomber jacket for a clean fit
- Dress up with tailored trousers and a neutral crewneck—these shoes carry luxury energy
- Use gold accessories or watch to echo the eyelet detailing subtly
It’s the perfect mix of sporty and stylish sneakers—designed for urban wear with upscale potential.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium tumbled leather and gold detailing | All-black colorway may seem too muted for bold tastes |
| Comfortable Zoom Air cushioning for long wear | Leather may feel stiff initially |
| Versatile style for casual or semi-formal outfits | Limited branding appeal for loud sneaker fans |
| Timeless Air Jordan 12 silhouette | Price point may be higher than basic GR releases |
Who Should Buy the ‘Black Taxi’ AJ12?
The Air Jordan 12 ‘Black Taxi’ is perfect for those who want a sleek, mature sneaker that blends performance heritage with refined style.
Ideal for:
- Fashion-forward sneakerheads who love minimalist but luxurious colorways
- Fans of authentic Nike shoes with standout quality
- Anyone building a wardrobe of stylish sneakers that work year-round
- Jordan collectors who want a clean, wearable twist on a classic
Where to Buy
Although it launched in late 2022, the Air Jordan 12 ‘Black Taxi’ is still available on the resale and retail market:
- TheenStyle – Trusted sneaker destination for verified Jordans
- StockX – Track real-time market prices and purchase safely
- GOAT – Choose from new or lightly worn pairs, with authenticity checks
As always, buy from reputable platforms to avoid fakes—especially for such a sleek and in-demand release.
Final Verdict
The Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Black Taxi’ is a stunning example of how less can be more. With a stealthy all-black look and just enough gold to elevate the design, this colorway stands out through quality and simplicity.
If you’re in the market for a sneaker that’s timeless, bold, and incredibly wearable, the Black Taxi deserves a spot in your rotation.
It’s not flashy—it’s just flawless.