Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro Muslin / Burnt Sunrise Review

It is a pretty well-known fact that Michael Jordan has always had a special appreciation and a passion for golf, so it was really only a matter of time before the sport officially found its way into the Jordan Brand. Here, we’ll delve into the highly anticipated collaboration between Eastside Golf (a Detroit-based lifestyle brand founded by talented golfers Earl and Olajuwon) and Jordan Brand, which, in my opinion, stands out as one of the most exciting releases of 2022/2023. Surprisingly, it’s also the best Jordan that everybody has been sleeping on. Join me as we explore why the Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro Muslin / Burnt Sunrise (part of the Out of the Mud collection) deserves a spot on your must-have sneaker list.

While it can be challenging for a collaboration of this magnitude to distinguish itself from the crowd, just one look at the Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro Muslin / Burnt Sunrise sneaker (Style: DV1758-108) and its packaging and you’ll realise that this is a very special release. This particular partnership holds a special place among 2023’s collaborations for Jordan. It’s not only because of the shoe itself, its impressive design, or the captivating story behind it. What makes it truly distinctive is the inclusion of its representation, which encompasses a range of factors such as race and sports.

The Packaging of the Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro

The packaging itself deserves appreciation. The plastic sleeve, featuring a prominent Jumpman logo, serves as just a glimpse of what awaits inside. Opening the lid of the box reveals a remarkable watercolour painting, depicting an African-American golfer (maybe Michael Jordan himself? Maybe Earl? Maybe Olajuwon?) confidently swinging his club on the fairway, adorned with a gold chain. The attention to detail in the artwork is truly commendable.

As we open the box, we are met with an enchanting arrangement—a grass-covered floor, reminiscent of a golf course. But the paper wrapping the shoes is no ordinary material; it represents Georgia’s red clay dirt. This holds historical significance and serves as the primary inspiration behind this collection.

Once you get past the incredible packaging, you find the AJ12 neatly tucked away below the standard white paper you’ll find in most sneaker boxes.

RELATED: The 15 Best Air Jordan 12 Retro Sneakers of All Time

The Sneaker

The Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro Muslin / Burnt Sunrise sneaker showcases intricate details within its classic silhouette. The craftsmanship is truly impressive, and the materials used exude quality. The leather possesses a subtle tumbling effect, showcasing a pleasing creamish hue. The classic Air Jordan 12 metal eyelets receive a luxurious touch with their goldish-silver appearance.

Moving down to the mudguard, we notice a captivating texture that deviates from the usual Air Jordan 12 design. This texture seems to emulate the feeling of red clay dirt, further enhancing the overall theme of the shoe. The lateral and medial sides feature eye-catching goldish-silver clips, with the Jumpman logo placed on the outer side.

The heel of the shoe introduces a solid red clay midsole, aptly named Burnt Sunrise, resembling a splash of mud. The midsole also exhibits a textured reptilian print, reinforcing the connection to Georgia’s red clay dirt. The tongue showcases the iconic Two-Three insignia in a captivating cream colour, complemented by cream-coloured laces (The shoe also includes a single option for laces). A standout feature on the tongue is the Eastside Golf logo, depicting the Jumpman swinging a golf club with a gold chain, a remarkable addition.

The inner lining of the shoe boasts a soft, sateen-like material, ensuring optimal comfort. A black nylon pull tab with Jordan Golf branding adorns the centre of the heel. The rubber outsole elegantly wraps around the sides of the shoe, featuring prominent 23 branding in black. The insoles deserve praise as well, with the left featuring a full-screen print picture of grass and the right showcasing the Georgia red clay, both adorned with white Jumpman logos. The partially translucent outsole displays a grass-like pattern, contributing to the overall aesthetic.

Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro Golf Comfort

Considering sizing, individuals with a true size of 9 may find that opting for a half-size down, such as 8.5, provides an excellent fit. The Air Jordan 12 Retro SP, like many Jordan models, requires a break-in period but rewards wearers with responsive cushioning and undeniable comfort.

Craftsmanship, quality and comfort are integral to any collaboration, and the Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro SP excels in all aspects. It feels snug on your foot, and you can tell from the moment you slip on the sneakers that they are superior quality. But that’s all expected from an Air Jordan 12. It’s still one of the best basketball sneakers around.

Sure, it’s a little clunky and bulky. But it’s a beautifully designed sports shoe. It’s made to capture attention and deliver performance. So don’t expect to wear it around the house.

The Collection

The Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro Muslin / Burnt Sunrise pays homage to Earl and Olajuwon’s muddy golf experiences in Georgia, showcasing the positive aspects of mud and resilience.

But the collaboration extends beyond the sneakers to a thoughtfully curated capsule collection by Eastside Golf. This collection offers apparel that perfectly complements the Air Jordan 12 Retro SP. Each piece, from hoodies and t-shirts to golf pants, reflects the same level of quality and attention to detail as the sneakers. The colour schemes and logo placements are carefully executed, creating a head-to-toe ensemble that any enthusiast would appreciate.

The Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro Is A Collector’s Item

To put this collection into perspective, it is essential to note that the Out the Mud release is one of five sneakers under the Eastside Golf collaboration. Following the remarkable success of the original Eastside Golf Air Jordan 4 release in 2021, you would think that these sneakers would have garnered immense attention and would be in high demand. But that’s not the case. These sneakers are still sitting on a few shelves. Heck, you can even find them online at Nike.com.

In fact, when you think about it, this might be the biggest sleeper hit of 2023. What’s not to like about the Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro Muslin / Burnt Sunrise? It’s beautiful, comfortable and has a rich history. I imagine that in years to come, somehow, these sneakers will become a collector’s item. Then, you’ll be expected to pay way beyond its current $200 price tag.

In conclusion, the Air Jordan 12 Out the Mud by Eastside Golf is a remarkable addition to the sneaker world. Its impeccable craftsmanship, captivating story, and attention to detail make it worthy of consideration for any sneaker enthusiast’s top 10 list of 2022/2023. If you missed out on this release, there is still hope to acquire a pair at retail price or lower in the resale market. The Eastside Golf collaboration is a testament to the power of perseverance and represents an important milestone in golf’s ongoing evolution.

Watch our unboxing video of the Eastside Golf x Air Jordan 12 Retro sneaker below: