Designer Kicks

The Air Jordan 12 “Rising Sun” has one of the more interesting stories from the 2009 Jordan lineup 🇯🇵🌅

Early pairs came with Rising Sun flag graphics on the insoles, but Jordan Brand delayed the release after controversy surrounding the symbol.

The flag has strong ties to Japan’s imperial military history and remains deeply offensive in parts of Asia, especially Korea and China. Critics have also compared its historical meaning to Nazi-era symbols in Europe.

Jordan Brand eventually replaced the graphic insoles with plain white versions before the wider release. A few of the original pairs still made it out, making them much harder to find today.

The “Rising Sun” finally released on November 21, 2009 and has never returned since.

Would you like to see the Air Jordan 12 “Rising Sun” return? 🤔

We’re dropping a hoodie! Which Jordans go better with it? A or B.

Only choose one.

Wow. Who would’ve thought?

Chose a letter

LL Cool J might be the Air Max 95 final boss of sitcom television 😆

Going back through In the House reminded me how damn funny that show was. But Marion Hill’s sneaker rotation gave me a whole second reason to watch. LL ran through OG Air Max 95 colorways, trainers and at least one Air Darwin.

Most of the pairs in the image come from LL’s broader sneaker history. He didn’t wear all of them on the show… BUT he is documented wearing them all. And separating the actor from the sneakerhead almost feels impossible, so they all made the cut 🤝

Long before In the House, LL was already helping connect hip-hop and sneaker culture. He’s credited his 1985 Radio cover with helping introduce Air Jordans to hip-hop — and I haven’t seen much argument against it 🤷🏾‍♂️ bro was certified from the jump 😤

That said, Marion gets his flowers.
LL’s impact goes waaaay beyond the sitcom.

What pair in LL’s rotation surprised you most?
And more importantly, what sneakers did I miss From “in the house”?

Who can relate? Lmao follow Matthew McCluster
L

🤔 red

Name these kicks if you can