Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Nubuck' 2009 130690-018 #

The Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Nubuck' (Style Code: 130690-018), released in 2009, is a notable reissue of the highly sought-after 1997 "Nubuck" colorway that was originally offered as part of a limited-edition package in conjunction with Team Jordan gear. This retro brought back the sleek, minimalist design that captivated sneakerheads when it first appeared.

Design and Aesthetic

• Colorway: The 2009 Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Nubuck' features a clean and sharp black and university blue color scheme. The upper is predominantly black nubuck, giving the shoe a soft, smooth texture. This is contrasted by accents of university blue found on the heel tab, Jumpman logo, and the piping along the side panels, providing a pop of color without overwhelming the design.

• Materials: As the name suggests, the upper is crafted from premium nubuck leather, giving the shoe a luxurious feel while maintaining durability. The mudguard is made from durable synthetic leather, which adds a subtle textural contrast to the nubuck upper. This combination ensures both comfort and longevity, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Midsole and Outsole

• Zoom Air Cushioning: True to the Jordan 12 lineage, the full-length Zoom Air in the midsole delivers maximum comfort and responsiveness. This cushioning system is designed to provide exceptional court performance, with a responsive bounce and impact protection.

• Rubber Outsole: The black rubber outsole features a herringbone traction pattern, delivering excellent grip for multidirectional movement. This outsole design ensures superior traction on a variety of surfaces, making it suitable for both basketball and lifestyle wear.

Signature Details

• University Blue Accents: The subtle university blue accents add a distinctive flair to the sneaker. This color is used on the Jumpman logo, the "TWO 3" text embroidered on the tongue, and the heel tab, creating a balanced contrast with the black nubuck upper.

• Jumpman Branding: The Jumpman logo appears in university blue on the lateral side near the midsole, as well as on the tongue and heel tab, ensuring brand recognition while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.

• Heel Tab: The heel tab also displays the classic Jordan branding, featuring the signature tagline: "QUALITY INSPIRED BY THE GREATEST PLAYER EVER" in university blue, paying homage to Michael Jordan's legendary status.

• Textured Mudguard: The synthetic leather mudguard comes in black, adding a touch of ruggedness to the otherwise smooth nubuck upper. This detail helps reinforce the shoe’s durability and structure while remaining true to the Air Jordan 12 design language.

Performance and Comfort

• Cushioning: The Zoom Air unit provides superior cushioning and responsiveness, making the Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Nubuck' suitable for performance on the court. The full-length Zoom Air cushioning is designed to absorb impact and offer a smooth ride, perfect for both basketball and casual wear.

• Support and Stability: The mid-top silhouette offers ample support, especially around the ankle, making it ideal for quick movements on the court. The carbon fiber shank plate in the midsole further enhances stability and support, ensuring lateral control during dynamic motions.

Conclusion

The 2009 Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Nubuck' is a classic yet understated release that appeals to sneaker enthusiasts who appreciate clean, minimal designs with a touch of vibrant accents. The combination of black nubuck and university blue delivers a sleek aesthetic, while the performance-driven features like Zoom Air cushioning and the carbon fiber shank plate make it versatile for both on-court action and street style. As a reissue of a fan-favorite colorway, this model is a must-have for Air Jordan collectors and fans of the Jordan 12 silhouette