MJ's 1996–97 Season — The Year of the Cherry 12

Originally worn by Michael Jordan during the 1996–97 NBA season — a year in which he won his fifth championship, his fifth regular season MVP, and his fifth Finals MVP — the "Cherry" Air Jordan 12 is a championship-era icon. Re-released in October 2023, this retro returns in faithful form with white quilted leather, vibrant Varsity Red lizard-textured mudguards, and OG silver hardware. The 2023 version is widely regarded as the best retro of the Cherry colorway, improving on the 2009 release with cleaner materials and more accurate construction.

Product Details:

• Condition: Brand New in Original Box
• Size: Men's US 10
• Style Code: CT8013-116
• Colorway: White / Black / Varsity Red
• Retail Price: $210

Key Features:

• Championship-Era Colorway: The exact White and Varsity Red colorway MJ wore during his historic 1996–97 season, one of the most decorated single seasons in NBA history.
• Lizard-Textured Varsity Red Mudguards: The dramatic pebbled red leather overlay wraps the perimeter of the shoe in a texture that's been synonymous with the Cherry 12 since its 1997 debut.
• Rising Sun Stitching: Intricate stitching radiates outward across the white leather upper in a subtle rising sun pattern — a deliberate design nod to Japan's flag that has been a defining detail of the AJ12 since Tinker Hatfield designed the original.
• Silver Hardware: Metallic silver eyelets, lace tips, and ankle detailing add a premium, sophisticated finish throughout.
• Full-Length Zoom Air + Phylon Midsole: A full-length Zoom Air unit sits atop a Phylon foam midsole for responsive cushioning across the entire foot.