First Look At The Air Jordan 12 “French Blue”

Back for the first time in almost a decade.

Andrew Rizzo March 31, 2025

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The recent “Flu Game” Jordan 12 retro proved that Mike’s twelfth signature can still drum up energy, selling out on release day due to its limited stock. The Nuggets-inspired Jordan 12 “Melo” is currently next up on our Jordan Release Dates calendar, but that isn’t the only 2004 banger poised to return this year. Nearly a decade removed from its last retro, the “French Blue” Jordan 12 will be a headlining member of the Jumpman’s Fall 2025 slate.

Detailed images of the upcoming French Blue 12s have surfaced via @solespeed4image, showing a design consistent with the original 2004 release. Tumbled white leather makes up the upper, complemented by pebbled “French Blue” leather on the toe/mudguard sections. Metallic silver eyelets, blue tongue stitching, and red hits on the outsole, spine, and heel “23” text sum up the rest of the look.

While not an original colorway, the “French Blue” is largely considered one of the strongest Jordan 12s of all-time. Its crisp makeup speaks for itself, and moreover, Kobe Bryant wore the sneaker during his sneaker free agency stint in 2003-04, pairing it with the Lakers’ memorable blue and white script jerseys.

The “French Blue” Jordan 12 has retro’d only once up until now, arriving in full family sizes in 2016. The 2025 version will also be available in full family sizes, set to launch August 16th, 2025. See detailed images below as anticipation builds.

: Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” 2025 Retro solespeed4image/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” 2025 Retro solespeed4image/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” 2025 Retro solespeed4image/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” 2025 Retro solespeed4image/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” 2025 Retro solespeed4image/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” 2025 Retro solespeed4image/IG

: Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” 2025 Retro solespeed4image/IG

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WHERE TO BUY

Mens Air Jordan 12

SKU: CT8013-114

RETAIL PRICE: $N/A

RELEASE DATE: Aug 16, 2025

US 08/16/2025 Saturday

Retailer	Release type	Status
Nike SNKRS US	Standard	Coming Soon

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.