Top Pick: Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” Leads the Retro Pack
Air Jordan retro releases are reissues of past Air Jordan models and colorways, giving today’s sneaker buyers another chance to own historically important or fan‑favorite designs with modern materials and updated builds while preserving the original look and story. For the upcoming Air Jordan 2027 drops, the one pair you should prioritise above everything else is the Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian.” It marks the 30th anniversary of the original 1997 release and returns on 23 January with a build that stays close to the classic: navy leather upper, white mudguard, Carolina blue accents, and the stitched rising‑sun lines that define the 12’s shape. This is the most balanced pickup for most people because it works with almost any outfit, carries serious history within the Air Jordan line, and offers a clean alternative to the usual Bulls colours without feeling like a niche collector’s choice.
Key Spring Drops: AJ11 Low “Cherry” and AJ14 “Last Shot”
Spring brings two essential Air Jordan retro releases that deserve space on your calendar. The Air Jordan 11 Low “Cherry” lands on 17 April, bringing back one of the most popular low‑cut 11 colourways, first seen in 2001 and last reissued in 2016. It pairs a white ballistic mesh upper and leather heel with a Varsity Red patent‑leather mudguard, finished with a white midsole and icy translucent outsole. Later in spring, on 29 May, the Air Jordan 14 “Last Shot” returns, one of the most iconic pairs linked to Michael Jordan’s game‑winning jumper in the 1998 Finals. The 2027 edition recreates the original look with black ribbed leather, Varsity Red branding, a Ferrari‑style Jumpman badge with yellow accents, and a traditional red mid‑foot shank plate plus metal eyelets. Together, these two drops cover both a sleek low‑top and a story‑heavy performance silhouette.
Summer Highlights: AJ5 “Laney” and AJ4 “Linen”
As temperatures climb, two Air Jordan 2027 drops stand out for summer rotations. The Air Jordan 5 “Laney” returns on 15 May, inspired by Michael Jordan’s high school and using white leather on the upper with Varsity Maize and Varsity Royal accents on the tongue, midsole, Jumpman branding, and the embroidered “23” on the lateral side, plus black detailing and a largely translucent outsole. A quotable summary from the release notes states: “The Air Jordan 5 ‘Laney’ will be released on May 15th, 2027, at select Jordan Brand retailers.” On 5 June, the women’s Air Jordan 4 “Linen” follows, sticking close to its 2006 and 2017 looks with white leather across most of the upper, Linen hits on the eyelets, heel tab, and parts of the midsole, and light blue Jumpman branding, set over a mostly white outsole. The updated AJ4 shape brings it closer to the original mould, while still omitting Nike Air branding on the heel.
Bonus Pick: Air Jordan 6 “Oreo” for a Monochrome Classic
If you want one more pair that will work year‑round, the Air Jordan 6 “Oreo” is the smartest extra pickup among recent Air Jordan retro releases. Scheduled ahead of the main 2027 wave, it uses black suede on the base with tumbled white leather overlays, creating bold, split colour blocking that has aged well among Jordan fans. Speckled details on the black midsole, lace lock, and heel spoiler provide the “Oreo” nickname, while black accents on the tongue and interior contrast with white laces and paneling. An icy translucent outsole keeps the classic finish intact. For anyone who prefers simple, monochrome limited edition Jordan colorways over louder school‑inspired palettes, this pair delivers a clean, easy‑to‑wear look that still feels special on‑foot without fighting your wardrobe.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” if you want a single, versatile retro with strong history that fits almost any rotation.
- Skip the Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” if you only collect Chicago Bulls colour schemes and prefer black‑and‑red pairs.
- Buy the Air Jordan 11 Low “Cherry” if you like low‑cut Jordans with patent leather and a straightforward white and red look.
- Skip the Air Jordan 11 Low “Cherry” if you prefer high‑top silhouettes or avoid translucent outsoles.
- Buy the Air Jordan 14 “Last Shot” if you care about owning pairs directly tied to Michael Jordan’s most famous on‑court moments.
- Skip the Air Jordan 14 “Last Shot” if you find the Ferrari‑inspired styling too aggressive for casual wear.
- Buy the Air Jordan 5 “Laney” if you want a summer‑ready retro with bright school colours and classic 5 detailing.
- Skip the Air Jordan 5 “Laney” if you prefer neutral colourways over white, blue, and yellow combinations.
- Buy the Air Jordan 4 “Linen” if you wear women’s sizing and want a light, white‑and‑beige AJ4 with subtle blue branding.
- Skip the Air Jordan 4 “Linen” if you require men’s extended sizing or insist on Nike Air branding on the heel.
- Buy the Air Jordan 6 “Oreo” if you need a black‑and‑white pair with classic split colour blocking and speckled details.
- Skip the Air Jordan 6 “Oreo” if you already own several monochrome Jordans and prefer more colourful limited edition Jordan colorways.
