Air Jordan 12 x A Ma Maniere On-Feet Review and Background

The History of Air Jordans and Collaborations

Air Jordans have become cultural icons since their debut in 1984. The Air Jordan 1 was the first signature shoe for NBA legend Michael Jordan during his early days with the Chicago Bulls. Over the years, the sneaker line from Nike has expanded with new models and exciting collaborations with brands, artists, and boutiques.

The Air Jordan 12 Model

The Air Jordan 12 was originally released in 1996 and designed by famed Nike designer Tinker Hatfield. Some key features of the Air Jordan 12 include a full-length Zoom Air unit, asymmetrical collar heights, and premium materials like tumbled leather.

The Air Jordan 12 has been featured in various colorways over the years, often drawing design inspiration from Michael Jordan himself. Some fan favorites include the "Flu Game" and "Taxi" color schemes.

A Ma Maniere Boutique

A Ma Maniere is a luxury streetwear boutique founded in 2017 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The retailer has collaborated with major brands like Nike, Jordan, Bape, and Converse to launch limited edition sneakers and apparel.

James Whitner, founder of A Ma Maniere, strives to bring high fashion to streetwear while spotlighting luxury Black culture. The name "A Ma Maniere" translates from French to "in my own way" reflecting the brand's unique perspective.

The Air Jordan 12 x A Ma Maniere Collab

In April 2022, Jordan Brand linked up A Ma Maniere boutique for a special collaboration using the Air Jordan 12 as the sneaker of choice.

The Air Jordan 12 x A Ma Maniere features premium black tumbled leather across the upper with gold accents on the midsole, heel tab, and lace toggles. The shoe almost has a "deconstructed" look and feel to complement the high fashion perspective of A Ma Maniere.

Release Details

The Air Jordan 12 x A Ma Maniere originally released on April 23th, 2022 for a retail price of $200. Like most limited sneaker collaborations, this launch was hugely anticipated by fans and sold out instantly.

Given the hype, the black-based AJ12 is reselling for around $400 - $600 at sneaker marketplaces like StockX and GOAT. That's roughly 2-3 times over the original retail pricing.

On-Feet Review

Here's an on-feet review of what the Air Jordan 12 x A Ma Maniere looks like when worn:

• The black tumbled leather upper provides a lush, premium look and feel reminiscent of high-end dress shoes
• Gold accents on the midsole, heel tab, and laces provide subtle pops of color to contrast the otherwise "murky" black palette
• The ankle collar and tongue are heavily padded, making them extremely comfortable on foot straight out the box
• Zoom Air cushioning in the midsole gives noticeable springiness and responsiveness while walking
• Traction pattern on the outsole stands out in gold to match the other accents

Overall, the Air Jordan 12 x A Ma Maniere offers the perfect blend of luxury styling in a retro basketball silhouette. The deconstructed black leather upper grounded by hits of gold make this collaboration a standout both on the shelves and feet.

The Cultural Significance

Collaborations between major brands like Jordan and influential boutiques like A Ma Maniere represent more than just a new product release. These partnerships have deeper cultural meaning around themes of creative expression, community, and entrepreneurship.

Spotlight on Community

The founder of A Ma Maniere, James Whitner, has said part of his mission is to bring luxury to Atlanta's vibrant Black culture and community. This special Air Jordan 12 celebrates both local boutique and the city they represent.

Entrepreneurship and Hustle Culture

A Ma Maniere started out as humble sneaker blog before growing into an internationally-recognized force in high-fashion streetwear. The brand embodies hustle culture and entrepreneurship - something that resonates loudly with sneakerheads.

Creativity and Passion

Fashion and sneakers represent creative expression to many fans. The premium details and considered design of this AJ12 collab represent the passion that brands like Jordan and boutiques like A Ma Maniere pour into their products.

At the core, sneakers still remain fun, collectible items that bring people together around ideas of style, innovation, and meaning.

FAQs

When did the Air Jordan 12 x A Ma Maniere release?

The shoes released on April 23, 2022 for $200 retail price.

What special details does this collaboration have?

Details include premium black tumbled leather, gold accents on the midsole, heel tab and laces. It has a luxe, "deconstructed" look.

Where can I buy the Air Jordan 12 A Ma Maniere?

The shoes are reselling for around $400 - $600 at sites like StockX and GOAT since the initial launch sold out instantly.

What does the brand name A Ma Maniere mean?

The name translates from French to "in my own way," reflecting the unique perspective and high fashion point of view of the brand.

Why is this collaboration culturally significant?

It represents themes of community, entrepreneurship, hustle culture, creativity and passion within sneaker culture.