French Blue Is Back, and It’s the Most Anticipated Jordan 12 Yet
Jordan Brand is bringing back one of the most beloved colorways, the Air Jordan 12 “French Blue” (CT8013‑114), on August 16, 2025. Released globally via Nike SNKRS and select retailers, this retro pays tribute to the original 2004 pair with full family sizing and a retail price of $200 USD.
Specs & Drop Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Colorway | White / French Blue / Metallic Silver / Varsity Red |
| Style Code | CT8013‑114 |
| Release Date | August 16, 2025 at 10 AM ET via SNKRS and select retailers |
| Price | $200 USD for adult sizing, full family range available |
Retailer images confirm the classic color combination: white tumbled leather upper, French Blue pebbled mudguard, metallic silver eyelets and side plates, with varsity red heel tab branding and midfoot Jumpman details.
Legacy & Design Story
Not originally worn by Jordan himself, the French Blue 12 became iconic when Kobe Bryant rocked them in the early 2000s. Revered for its clean aesthetic and Kobe connection, French Blue remains one of the most respected non‑OG AJ12 releases.
The 2025 iteration stays faithful to the original: radiant stitch lines, sturdy tumbled white leather, textured blue overlays, and visible full-length Zoom Air midsole with carbon fiber shank plate for structure and performance.
First Look & Quality Notes
Official retailer shots and early leak images show premium finishes all around. The leather appears crisp and supple, the mudguard texture clean, and color blocking neatly aligned. Metallic silver hardware and varsity red hits deliver contrast without overpowering the design.
Sneakerheads discussing pre-release reps praise the color accuracy and construction, even minor reptile overlay height differences are not noticeable on foot.
Community Sentiment & Hype
Reddit forums show mostly enthusiastic chatter. A Reddit user summed it up simply:
“French Blue 12s look incredible on feet, true to OG in every way”
Instagram and TikTok content under tags like #FrenchBlue122025 are growing fast, with users sharing filter edits and teaser images weeks before the launch, a clear sign of high demand.
Resale Forecast: What Tomorrow Holds
| Version | Expected Week-One Price | Long-Term Value |
|---|---|---|
| General Release | $300–$350 | $250–$300 |
| Boutique/Event Pairs | $400+ | $300–$350 |
Current resale listings already sit around $247–$259 for early buyers, signaling fairly strong demand even before release day. Expect modest price bumps around launch, nothing blockbuster unless certain boutique pairs slip into minimal supply.
Complete the Look
Final Verdict: Cop or Pass?
For fans of clean Jordan design and early‑2000s influence, this is a must-cop. It’s one of those retros that stays true without feeling stale, and quality across official images looks sharp. Only die-hards chasing glass-leather OG spec might hesitate, but for most fans, this is classic done right.
