Jordan Brand is delving back into the world of Player Exclusives with the Air Jordan 12 "Idols Become Rivals." Featuring Summit White, Gorge Green, and Fierce Purple, this new version draws inspiration from player-reserved pairs from the early 2000s, specifically recalling colors associated with Ray Allen during his time in Milwaukee.
The History of Player Exclusives
The narrative behind this Air Jordan 12 begins with the concept of Player Exclusives. In the early 2000s, Jordan Brand developed a practice of adapting its models using the colors of specific players on their team. "Idols Become Rivals" reprises this history by utilizing a palette directly linked to the era when Ray Allen played in Milwaukee—an era marked by his admiration for Michael Jordan himself.
The name "Idols Become Rivals" carries significant meaning: it references Ray Allen's journey from an admirer of Michael Jordan to becoming an NBA player who found himself competing against him. By using this trajectory, Jordan Brand aims to shed light on a defining period when Player Exclusives constituted a crucial part of its history on the court.
Design and Construction Details
The construction features an upper made of Summit White leather combined with Gorge Green textured panels that wrap around the lower portion of the shoe. Touches of Fierce Purple complete the colorway, specifically recalling Milwaukee's colors. This blend captures the spirit of a Ray Allen Air Jordan 12 PE from that period, while also maintaining a modern design approach without reproducing all the personalized details of an original player-reserved pair.
The model retains characteristic elements of the iconic Air Jordan 12, originally designed by Tinker Hatfield. The radiating stitching lines are inspired by the rising sun, and the visible Air Zoom cushioning reminds wearers that this silhouette was Michael Jordan's first signature shoe to incorporate such technology. The structure is completed with a foam midsole and a durable rubber outsole.
From Ray Allen's unique Player Exclusives to a public release, the "Idols Become Rivals" successfully brings back a compelling story from the early 2000s on the Air Jordan 12 platform.
