04/06/2017
In the bustling world of iconic footwear, few trainers command attention quite like the Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Taxi' 2013. While many might immediately picture a vibrant yellow when hearing 'taxi', the reality of this particular release offers a more nuanced, yet equally striking, colour palette. Far from being a simple yellow shoe, its design cleverly interprets the spirit and distinctive livery of the New York City taxi cab, weaving it into a classic basketball silhouette worn by the legendary Michael Jordan himself. For those of us familiar with the diverse array of taxis across the globe – from London's venerable black cabs to Rome's pristine white vehicles – the 'Taxi' Jordan 12 provides a fascinating study in how colour, or the clever allusion to it, can define a cultural icon.
The Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Taxi' 2013 is primarily built upon the original white and black colourway that Michael Jordan famously sported during the 1996-97 NBA regular season. This foundational choice ensures a clean, crisp aesthetic that allows the 'taxi' inspired accents to truly stand out. The brilliant white leather upper provides a pristine canvas, while the distinctive black textured mudguard wraps around the toe and sides, offering a striking contrast and adding to the shoe's durability and visual weight. This classic two-tone base is instantly recognisable as a hallmark of the AJ12 silhouette, a design lauded for its robust build and elegant lines, inspired by the Japanese 'Nisshoki' rising sun flag and 19th-century boots.
The Subtle Allure of 'Taxi' Hues
So, where does the 'Taxi' come into play if the shoe isn't predominantly yellow? The magic lies in the subtle yet impactful details that evoke the quintessential New York City taxi experience. The most prominent nod comes from the metallic gold eyelets situated at the top of the lacing system. These gleaming gold accents perfectly mimic the metallic yellow often seen on the bodywork of an NYC yellow cab, providing that crucial pop of colour without overwhelming the shoe's primary white and black scheme. It's a clever design choice, allowing the shoe to retain its clean, court-ready look while simultaneously paying homage to its urban inspiration.
Adding to this homage is the black outsole, which grounds the shoe with a solid, dependable base. Within this black outsole lies a carbon fibre shank plate, a performance feature crucial for stability and support during intense play. This black and the subtle shimmer of the carbon fibre, combined with the gold eyelets, create a powerful visual link to the black trim and the yellow body of an NYC taxi. It's an abstract, yet highly effective, representation of those iconic vehicles that weave through the concrete jungle. The 'Taxi' appellation, therefore, isn't about the shoe being yellow, but about its thoughtful incorporation of elements that conjure the image of a New York cab: the bright body (white upper), the metallic accents (gold eyelets), and the dark undercarriage (black outsole and carbon fibre).
A Nod to Sporting Excellence: The OG Connection
The significance of the Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Taxi' 2013 extends beyond its clever colour scheme. It is a faithful re-release of a trainer worn by Michael Jordan during one of his most dominant periods. The 1996-97 NBA season was pivotal; Jordan, wearing the original 'Taxi' colourway, led the Chicago Bulls to yet another NBA championship, securing his fifth ring. This historical context imbues the shoe with a deep sense of sporting heritage and triumph. For sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans alike, owning a pair of 'Taxi' 12s is not just about appreciating a well-designed shoe; it's about holding a piece of basketball history, a tangible link to a legendary player's peak performance.
The Enduring Appeal of Retro Releases
The 2013 retro release of the 'Taxi' colourway was met with considerable excitement, a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Jordan silhouettes. Retro releases offer a unique opportunity for both long-time collectors and new fans to experience or re-experience iconic designs. For the 'Taxi' 12, its popularity stems from several factors:
- Historical Significance: Worn by MJ during a championship season.
- Classic Design: The AJ12's unique aesthetic, inspired by Japanese culture.
- Versatile Colourway: White and black with gold accents is timeless and easy to style.
- Nostalgia Factor: For those who remember its original release, it evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia.
- Cultural Icon Status: Its association with both basketball greatness and the vibrant urban landscape of New York City.
The 'Taxi' 12 is a prime example of how a trainer can transcend its initial purpose as sports equipment to become a cultural artefact, a piece of wearable art that tells a story. The story here is one of athletic prowess, innovative design, and a clever homage to one of the world's most recognisable forms of public transport.
Comparing Iconic City Taxis & Their Colours
To truly appreciate the nuance of the Air Jordan 12 'Taxi' colourway, it's useful to consider the diverse world of taxis and how their colours are deeply embedded in their city's identity. While the 'Taxi' 12 specifically references NYC, it's a fascinating exercise to compare:
| City | Primary Taxi Colour | Secondary/Accent Colour | Cultural Association |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Yellow | Black trim / Roof signage | Bustling, iconic, fast-paced urban life, accessibility |
| London | Black | N/A (often chrome accents) | Classic, traditional, reliable, heritage, quintessential Britishness |
| Tokyo | Black, Yellow, Green (various) | White (often lace seat covers) | Immaculate, polite service, efficiency, modernity |
| Shanghai | Turquoise (Dazhong), Yellow (Qiangsheng) | N/A | Modern, rapid development, specific company branding |
| Berlin | Cream / Beige | N/A | Functional, orderly, European standard |
This table highlights how the Air Jordan 12 'Taxi' draws from a specific, instantly recognisable visual language. It's the bold contrast and the metallic glint of gold that captures the essence of a speeding yellow cab against the urban backdrop, rather than a literal translation of the vehicle's hue.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Taxi' 2013
Understanding the specifics of this iconic trainer often leads to a few common questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked:
What is the primary colour of the Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Taxi' 2013?
The primary colours of the Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Taxi' 2013 are white and black. The shoe features a clean white leather upper contrasted with a black textured mudguard and outsole.
Why is it called 'Taxi' if it's not yellow?
It's called 'Taxi' because its design cleverly references the iconic black and yellow New York City taxi cabs. The metallic gold eyelets, in particular, represent the yellow body of the cab, while the black outsole and carbon fibre shank represent the black trim and wheels. It's an abstract interpretation rather than a literal yellow shoe.
When was the original 'Taxi' Air Jordan 12 released?
The original Air Jordan 12 'Taxi' colourway was first released in 1996. It was one of the inaugural colourways of the Air Jordan 12 silhouette.
What part of the shoe specifically references the taxi?
The metallic gold eyelets on the upper, along with the black outsole and the visible carbon fibre shank, are the key elements that directly reference the black and yellow livery of NYC taxi cabs. The overall name and concept tie the white and black shoe to this iconic urban vehicle.
Is the Air Jordan 12 'Taxi' a popular colourway?
Yes, the Air Jordan 12 'Taxi' is considered one of the most popular and classic colourways of the Air Jordan 12. Its historical significance, clean aesthetic, and clever 'taxi' concept have ensured its enduring appeal among sneaker collectors and fans worldwide.
Conclusion: A Timeless Ride in White, Black, and Gold
The Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Taxi' 2013 stands as a testament to thoughtful design and the power of subtle symbolism. While not draped in the vivid yellow one might initially associate with a taxi, its masterful blend of white, black, and metallic gold accents creates a powerful visual narrative that instantly calls to mind the bustling streets of New York City and its iconic cabs. This trainer is more than just a shoe; it's a piece of basketball history, a nod to urban culture, and a design that remains as fresh and relevant today as it was when Michael Jordan first laced it up. For enthusiasts of both classic trainers and the fascinating world of urban transport, the 'Taxi' 12 is a truly exceptional and enduring piece of footwear.
If you want to read more articles similar to The 'Taxi' Trainers: Colour & Legacy, you can visit the Taxis category.