So, you’re looking for a pair of black and gold 12s. It sounds simple enough until you realize that "jordan 12s black and gold" isn't just one shoe. It’s a whole lineage of sneakers that people constantly mix up. Seriously, if you walk into a shop asking for "the black and gold ones," the guy behind the counter is going to have to ask about five follow-up questions just to figure out if you're talking about a $200 pair or a $1,000 collector’s item.
Most people think of the Jordan 12 "The Master," which dropped back in 2016. It’s that super clean, almost entirely black leather look with just those tiny hits of gold on the eyelets. It was part of the "Poster Collection," inspired by a 1990s Nike ad. But then you’ve got the OVO Black, the Royalty Taxi, the Wings, and even that recent Black Taxi that’s floating around everywhere.
They all look similar from ten feet away. Up close? They are worlds apart.
The Confusion Between the Royalty and the Master
Honestly, the biggest mix-up happens between the "Master" and the "Royalty Taxi." People use the names interchangeably, but they shouldn't.
The Jordan 12 "The Master" (released February 27, 2016) is basically a blackout. It’s got that premium black tumbled leather and those iconic metallic gold top eyelets. It’s subtle. It’s the shoe you wear when you want to look like you know what you’re doing without screaming for attention.
💡 You might also like: Cooper City FL Zip Codes: What Moving Here Is Actually Like
Then comes the Jordan 12 "Royalty Taxi" (released November 13, 2021). This one flips the script. While it’s technically a white and black shoe—tribute to the original 1996 "Taxi"—it added a bunch of gold hits that the original never had. You’ve got the gold eyelets, sure, but also a gold Jumpman plaque on the side and gold branding on the tongue.
If you want the "true" black and gold vibe, you’re looking for the Master or the Black Taxi. The Black Taxi is the one that really leans into the "murdered out" look with pops of "Taxi Yellow" that look suspiciously like gold in most lighting.
That Drake Factor: The OVO Black 12s
We have to talk about the OVO x Air Jordan 12 Retro Black. This is the heavyweight champion of the category. Released in February 2017 during NBA All-Star Weekend, it retailed for $225 but now sells for a lot more.
It’s not just leather.
It’s suede.
📖 Related: Why People That Died on Their Birthday Are More Common Than You Think
Drake’s version uses a mix of premium black suede and a textured "stingray" leather on the mudguard. The gold isn't just on the eyelets; it’s hidden on the outsole with the OVO owl logo. It’s a luxury shoe disguised as a basketball sneaker. If you find these for $150 on some random website, they are fake. Period. No one is selling a legit pair of OVO 12s for retail in 2026.
The "Wings" 12s and the Secret Pattern
The Jordan 12 "Wings" is probably the coolest—and most stressful—shoe in this list. Released in 2016 and limited to only 12,000 pairs, it looks like a standard "Playoff" colorway at first glance. It has the black upper, white mudguard, and gold hardware.
But there’s a catch.
The black paint on the upper is designed to wear away.
As you wear them, or if you scrub them with a cloth, the black layer disappears to reveal a gold feathered "wings" pattern underneath. It’s a literal piece of art. Most collectors won't even touch the surface because they want to keep that secret hidden, but the whole point of the shoe was the "earning your wings" metaphor.
👉 See also: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
How to Not Get Scammed (The Legit Check)
Since these are some of the most faked shoes on the market, you've got to be careful. The Jordan 12 has a very specific silhouette that's hard to get right.
- The Carbon Fiber Plate: Flip the shoe over. Between the traction pods on the outsole, there should be a real carbon fiber shank. On fakes, this is often just plastic painted with a checkerboard pattern. It should feel rock-hard and have a 3D texture you can feel with your fingernail.
- The "Two 3" Embroidery: On the tongue, it should say "Two 3." Look at the stitching. On real pairs, the spacing is tight and the font is clean. Fakes often have "bleeding" threads where the letters connect.
- The Weight: Jordan 12s are heavy. They’ve got a full-length Zoom Air unit and high-quality leather. If the shoe feels light or "airy," it’s a red flag.
- The Jumpman Tab: That little plastic tab on the side that says "Jordan"? On authentic pairs, it’s perfectly aligned with the stitching of the mudguard. If it’s crooked or the "J" looks like an "I," keep your money.
Why the Black and Gold Palette Still Works
The 12 is a bulky shoe. Tinker Hatfield (the legend who designed it) drew inspiration from the Japanese "Rising Sun" flag and 19th-century women's boots. It’s a weird combo that somehow resulted in one of the most durable basketball shoes ever made.
When you strip away the bright colors and stick to black and gold, it turns the 12 into a "lifestyle" shoe. It’s one of the few Jordans you can actually wear with a suit or at a nice dinner without looking like a teenager. It’s sophisticated but still has that "Flu Game" DNA.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
If you are currently hunting for a pair, here is how you should handle the purchase:
- Check the SKU: Make sure the code on the inside tag matches the box and the specific version you want. For example, "The Master" is 130690-013.
- Use a Middleman: Unless you are a pro at spotting fakes, use platforms like eBay (with Authenticity Guarantee), GOAT, or StockX. The peace of mind is worth the extra $20 in shipping.
- Leather Care: If you get the leather versions (like the Master or Royalty), get a decent horsehair brush. These shoes pick up dust in the "Rising Sun" stitching lines, and it can make the black look ashy over time.
- Verify the Seller: If you're buying on a forum or marketplace, ask for "tagged photos" with the current date and their username written on a piece of paper next to the shoes.
The black and gold Jordan 12 is a staple. Whether you go for the subtle "Master" or the flashy "Royalty," you're wearing a piece of design history. Just make sure you know exactly which version you're paying for before you hit that checkout button.