Jordan Brand first revealed the Air Jordan 12 Utility in an ecologically-conscious “Grind” makeup as part of its fall 2021 Air Jordan retro collection, and now official images of the sustainable style have surfaced. Boasting a stately construction, sporty accents and recycled detailing, the AJ 12 Utility “Grind” is the first iteration of Michael Jordan‘s twelfth signature sneaker to tout its use of reprocessed materials.
Kicking things off is a premium black leather upper with familiar stitched detailing and metallic silver top eyelets. Mudguards are made from black suede — a notable departure from the 12’s standard pebbled leather mudguard — and a little flair is provided by red trim around the midfoot badge plus red-rimmed “TWO 3” graphics and Air Jordan badges on the tongue. Black heel tabs with anthracite branding round off the top half.
Down below, midsoles are loaded with Zoom Air units for comfort. They slide between a basketball-like texture on the forefoot and a smooth texture on the heel while also sitting above the signature “Grind” detail: an ice blue outsole made of recycled rubber. The recycled content is on full display in this special outsole thanks to black and silver rubber flecks, with a signature carbon fiber midfoot plate and black herringbone traction offering finishing touches of support and traction.
The Air Jordan 12 Utility “Grind” is currently set to release on August 28, pending official confirmation from Jordan Brand. Its MSRP is set at a standard $190 USD.
For more footwear news, take a look at the latest installment of HYPEBEAST’s weekly Sole Mates series, in which guests share personal stories about their favorite sneakers.