After a nearly year-long journey of speculation and evolving rumors, one of the most beloved non-original Air Jordan 12 colorways is finally making its return. The iconic Air Jordan 12 “French Blue,” first released in 2004 and last seen in 2016, is officially set for a retro release this month, delighting longtime fans and a new generation of collectors.
The story of this re-release has been a winding one for sneaker enthusiasts. The first whispers of a return began with rumors of a new “French Blue 2.0” iteration slated for 2025. As the year progressed, however, more concrete reports amended those initial claims, confirming that Jordan Brand would instead be bringing back the original 2004 design in all its glory. Now, after months of waiting, official images have confirmed the news, setting the stage for a major drop.
The Air Jordan 10 “Steel” Returns with Its Original Toe Cap for the First Time.
The 2025 retro promises to be a faithful recreation of the classic design that captured the hearts of fans two decades ago. The shoe features the signature high-quality white tumbled leather upper that provides a clean and premium base. The defining element, of course, is the rich “French Blue” pebbled leather mudguard, which draws its design inspiration from the Japanese Rising Sun flag. This vibrant blue extends to the outsole, creating a bold and memorable look.
The release stays true to the original with its finishing touches, including the metallic silver eyelets and the subtle but crucial hits of “Varsity Red” on the heel tab branding and the number “23” on the heel.
For those eager to get a pair, the Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” is scheduled to release on August 16, 2025. They will be available for purchase via the Nike SNKRS app and at select Jordan Brand retailers worldwide. The retail price has been set at $205 USD.
