2012 brought about an onslaught of Air Jordan Retro releases and that trend doesn’t look to stop as the new year approaches. Besides the set of the Jordan III, Jordan IV, and Jordan V releasing in Fire Red next year, there are at least six other Air Jordans releasing that are worth looking out for.
Air Jordan XIII – ‘Bred’
Expected Release: January
All elements from past Air Jordan XIII releases seem to be present on the ‘Bred’ edition scheduled for next year. Hopefully these will drop with the reflective 3M strips inside of the mesh on the upper like before and not like the last time the ‘Flint’ XIII came out.
Air Jordan I – ‘Black/Blue’
Expected Release: n/a
This is the only sneaker on this list that isn’t a confirmed release, but with the amount of sightings of the ‘Black/Blue’ Jordan I late last year we can assume they will make an appearance on store shelves next year. Even though this Jordan I won’t be like some of the other releases with the NIKE AIR label, the argument could be made for the Black/Blue colorway to be the most sought after colorway of 2013. Seeing newly constructed samples of this sneaker is a good sign so keep your fingers crossed.
Air Jordan XIII – ‘Black Toe’
Expected Release: n/a
Last released in 2008 when paired with the ‘Shadow’ Jordan X as part of the Countdown Package series, this Jordan XIII returns in 2013 for purchase by itself. The ‘Black Toe’ edition of the Air Jordan XIII had been called the He Got Game a lot lately due to the prominent feature it had in the Spike Lee movie of the same name.
Air Jordan IV – ‘Lightning’
Expected Release: March
After the ‘Thunder’ Jordan IV unexpectedly dropped in December of 2012, it was only a matter of time before its partner, the Jordan IV ‘Lightning’ was brought back as well. These are rumored for a March release, but keep in mind the ‘Thunder’ pair that dropped in late December was originally scheduled months before they actually released so keep your head up for more solid info as the new year approaches.
Air Jordan V – ‘Grape’
Expected Release: July
The Jordan V ‘Grape’ had its first Retro release in 2007 and is scheduled to make another return in 2013. Since never worn by MJ with a Chicago Bulls uniform (to my knowledge) many know these from the Wheaties box he sported these on while some may remember the ‘Grape’ Jordan V as the sneakers worn by Will Smith on the first episode as the Fresh Prince. Either way these will be pounced on the minute they drop so start planning your come up now if you plan on owning a pair.
Air Jordan III – ‘White Cement’
Expected Release: n/a
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original Air Jordan III release back in 1988, Jordan Brand has seen fit to bring back the ‘White Cement’ Jordan III once again. To separate this pair of the Retro releases from ’94, ’03, and ’11, these will return with the fabled NIKE AIR written on the heel instead of the Jumpman used on all of the Retro releases.
Ben Berry is a writer based out of Orlando, FL by way of Baltimore, MD by way of New York City that grew up in New Jersey. After attending West Virginia University, Ben became involved with The Hoop Doctors and was made editor of the Kicks column. Add Ben to a Google+ circle of yours and follow his Twitter feed.
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