The Air Jordan 12 is getting an unusual denim treatment for North Carolina’s 2026-27 college basketball season. Made exclusively for the Tar Heels, the shoe replaces the traditional leather upper with two shades of blue denim, a material rarely seen on Michael Jordan’s 12th signature model.
Most of the upper features light-wash denim across the familiar stitched panels, with a darker wash covering the mudguard. Gold hardware and contrast stitching finish off the design, while UNC branding appears on the tongue and heel.
North Carolina regularly receives exclusive Jordan Brand sneakers, a relationship that goes back to Michael Jordan’s playing days with the Tar Heels. This latest Air Jordan 12 takes a different approach from the school-colored designs typically given to sponsored college programs.
An early look at the Air Jordan 12 “UNC” PE comes from photos shared by UNC women’s basketball director Jaelynn Murray Burrus. There’s no word on whether other Jordan Brand schools will receive denim versions of the shoe.
The denim Air Jordan 12 “UNC” PE is expected to remain a team exclusive, with no retail release planned.
Stay up to date with all upcoming sneaker releases from our Sneaker Release Dates page.
