words // Brandon Richard
With tonight's re-release of the "Playoff" Air Jordan Retro 12, we've decided to take a look back to the Chicago Bulls' 1996-1997 campaign, when Michael Jordan marched toward ring number five in this sleek colorway of his twelfth signature shoe. What's always been ironic about this classic style is that MJ actually debuted them at the 1997 All-Star Game, where he recorded the only triple-double in the game's history with a 14-point, 11-assist and 11-rebound night. Later in the season, Jordan laced up the eventual "Playoff" XII for Chicago's playoff run against the Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Western Conference Champion Utah Jazz, whom they beat to claim the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Originally released in January 1997, the "Playoff" is arguably the most popular Air Jordan XII colorway. The shoe sports a black leather upper with stitched "ray" paneling throughout. White fills in leather mudguard overlays on the sides, as well as the extra sturdy midsole. Silver and red accents in key areas put the look over the top. This will be the second re-release of the colorway, the last occurring in February 2004.
Before you pick up your pair this weekend, check out some photos of Michael Jordan wearing the "Playoffs" 15 years ago.
