[Update 21 Oct] A release date on 12th November with a retail price of $200 has been confirmed for the Eastside Golf x Nike Air Jordan 12 “Out the Mud”. Stay tuned for the drop that will take place via Nike and selected retailers.

Michael Jordan’s love for golf is no secret. Even during his playing days in the NBA, if he’s not on the hardwood shooting balls, he’s on the green putting them. And his competitiveness was never incubated just for the court. He once lost to coach Chuck Daly and refused to acquiesce. The next day, at the crack of dawn, Jordan rang his phone and when there was no answer, he went to his room. Knocking, eventually pounding on the door demanding a rematch—by which he won by a single point.

With that said, there should be no surprise their next collaborator found themselves in the Jordan Brand orbit. Eastside Golf is a lifestyle golf brand founded by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl A. Cooper in 2019, “developed to raise awareness about golf among youth and non golfers. We want to inspire the culture, promote diversity and continue to be authentic.” Their apparel is a street-centric, contemporary take on traditional golfing attire: from sweatshirts, polos, trousers, and vests.

Unlike their earlier collab on the Jordan 4, their take on the Jordan 12 is absent of cleats, presumably designed for a more versatile utility on the course and off. The two-toned brown and light tan upper sees a ‘mud splatter’ embellishment on the heel, a nice nod to the spurt of dirt when the club hits the earth.

The Jordan branding on the heel remains where it usually is with the exception of the Jumpman on the tongue. This time replaced with the Eastside Golf mascot. The “Golfman” serves as the centerpiece of the upper as a hangtag on the top lace, and as the point of focus in the watercolor scene on the specially-designed shoebox. Lastly, the ball goes through the 18th hole by way of the insoles detailing the green and dirt of the golf course, with the former also reflected on the outsole.

There’s no scheduled release date, except for a rumored November 2022. Until then however, keep working on that swing. You’d rather be MJ on the course than Charles Barkley. Google his swing and have a laugh.

Actually, consider the Frog Skateboards x Vans Old Skool if you’re thinking of shoes you wouldn’t mind getting muddied in.