This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Following collaborative capsules on the Air Jordan 2 inspired by his wife’s Chanel bag, Don C is awarded his first standalone silhouette in the form of the Jordan 312.
Inspired by ’80s basketball from the outside looking in, sneaker DNA from that of the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 3 and Nike Air Alpha Force (worn briefly on court by MJ himself) collide on this hybrid high top. The tongue and profile derive from that of the AJ1, with the AJ3 lending its heel tab, midsole and tooling. The Alpha Force mid foot strap makes a very noticeable cameo as well.
Both polarizing and trending, the Swoosh on the upper draws from the 1 but also appears of reference to Tinker’s AJ3 sketch. Also of interest, the elephant print appears at the mid foot as opposed to the heel and toe box, similar to that of the Air Force STS.
While the references revive memories of ’88, the hybrid retro feel recalls memories of ’08. Mashing up or reimagining favorites from the ’80s was an industry play during the last decade, with Don and Kanye rocking retros but also juicing the likes of hybrids like Air Structure Hoop and Spizike, respectively. Essentially, the original Nike Air Yeezy was a hybrid of vintage Nikes.
Preview the Jordan 312 in the photos below and keep it locked to Nice Kicks for more information regarding this model.
