Honestly, the sneaker world loves a good nickname. When the Air Jordan 12 Blueberry first started leaking, everyone just called them the "white and royal blue 12s." Simple. Descriptive. But once that "Blueberry" tag stuck, it changed the vibe completely. It positioned the shoe as the literal blue brother to the iconic "Cherry" 12s, and for most of us, that was enough to start clearing space on the shelf.
They dropped on December 18, 2024. If you were paying attention to the end-of-year rush, these were basically the final boss of the 2024 Jordan calendar.
What Actually Are the White and Royal Blue 12s?
Basically, the Blueberry 12 is a palette swap. If you take the original 1997 "Cherry" colorway—the one MJ wore during that dominant '96-'97 season—and swap every bit of red for a deep "Game Royal" blue, you get this shoe. It’s got that crisp white tumbled leather on the upper. The stitching mimics the rising sun rays of the Japanese flag. It’s classic Tinker Hatfield stuff.
The mudguard is where the magic happens. It uses that pebbled, reptile-textured leather in a vibrant royal blue. People often confuse these with the "French Blue" 12s, but they aren't the same. Not even close once you put them side-by-side. The French Blue has a much more muted, steel-toned blue, whereas the Blueberry is loud. It’s a "look at my feet" kind of blue.
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The Technical Specs You Should Know
- Colorway: White/Game Royal/Black
- Retail Price: $210 (Men's), $150 (GS)
- Key Features: Zoom Air cushioning, carbon fiber shank plate, silver metallic eyelets.
- Materials: Tumbled leather upper, synthetic textured mudguard overlays.
Why Some Collectors Are Still Salty
Here is the thing about modern Jordan retros: the "banana shape." Some early buyers complained that the white and royal blue 12s had a slightly weird silhouette compared to OGs. On some pairs, the toe box looks a bit more curved or lifted than the sleek, flat profile of the 1996 pairs.
Then there’s the quality debate. While most fans loved the tumbled leather, some purists on Reddit pointed out that the midsole rubber had a slightly shinier, "cheaper" finish than the matte look of previous releases. I think it’s a bit of nitpicking, but when you’re dropping $210, you sort of want perfection.
Blueberry vs. French Blue vs. Game Royal
This is where it gets confusing for the casual fan. You’ve probably seen three different "blue and white" 12s.
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- The Blueberry (2024): White upper, Royal Blue mudguard, Black accents on the tongue and heel.
- The French Blue (2004, 2016, 2025): White upper, French Blue (darker/grey-ish) mudguard, White accents.
- The Game Royal (2019): This one is the inverse. It’s a black leather upper with a blue mudguard.
The Blueberry stands out because of the black hits. The Jumpman on the tongue and the "23" on the heel are black. It gives the shoe a much more aggressive, modern look compared to the clean, almost "lifestyle" vibe of the French Blues.
Styling Your Pair Without Looking Like a Mascot
Styling a shoe this bright is a challenge. You can't just throw on a blue tracksuit and call it a day—you'll look like a giant blueberry. No one wants that.
Go with neutral bottoms. Black cargo pants or dark indigo denim are the safest bets because they let the Game Royal pop without fighting for attention. If you’re wearing shorts, try a slightly higher sock (mid-calf) in black or white. Some guys hate the "high tops with shorts" look because it can make your legs look short, but honestly, if your shorts are above the knee, the proportions work out just fine.
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Is the Hype Still Real in 2026?
We are now deep into 2026, and the market for the white and royal blue 12s has settled. If you missed the initial drop, you’re looking at the resale market. Prices haven't skyrocketed like a Travis Scott collab, but they aren't sitting at retail either. They’ve become a "reliable" pair. They’re the ones you grab when you want something more interesting than a white-on-white sneaker but don't want to go full neon.
One thing to watch out for if you’re buying now: the glue. 12s are notorious for the mudguard occasionally separating from the leather upper if they’re stored in a hot environment. If you’re copping a "deadstock" pair from a reseller, check those edges.
Actionable Tips for Owners
- Protect the White: The tumbled leather on the top of the foot is a magnet for denim stains (crockage). If you wear raw denim, cuff your pants or use a protector spray.
- Clean the Mudguard: The blue textured overlay is pretty durable, but dirt gets trapped in the "pebbles." Use a medium-bristled brush, not a soft one, to really get the grime out of those grooves.
- Rotation is Key: Don't wear these every single day. The 12 has a lot of structure, and the carbon fiber plate makes them stiff. Giving the foam a day to "rest" between wears will prevent the midsole from wrinkling prematurely.
- Check the Eyelets: The silver top eyelets can actually scratch the leather if the laces are pulled too tight or if they get bent. Keep an eye on the hardware.
The Blueberry 12 might not have the historical weight of a "Flu Game" or a "Taxi," but as far as modern colorways go, it’s a heavy hitter. It’s loud, it’s durable, and it finally gave blue-lovers the "Cherry" alternative they’ve been asking for since the 90s.