Worth the Hype? Grading Yeezy Boosts, Air Jordans and Other Classic Kicks | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Jordan Brand's ambition never ceases to amaze. To circulate retro models as much as they do requires fresh colorways and even fresher concepts.

The Air Jordan XII was given a conceptual treatment thanks to 2016's "Wings" edition. A base colorway resembles the traditional Jordan XII "Playoffs" shoe. However, after exposing the surface to any sort of friction, a gold layer appears on the upper.

According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, this shoe was a limited release, instantly qualifying it for waves of hype.

The "Wings" XII sold out, turning the shoe strictly into an expensive drifter out there in the resell market. Originally, it was priced at $225—a pretty standard fee for "premium" Jordans.

Did this shoe live up to the hype? Aesthetically, yes. It's gorgeous. Materials-wise, the leather they used rivals some "lower-end" models, which was disappointing. It's not nearly as premium as you'd expect.

For its original $225 price, you could argue it was worth the price. But considering only 12,000 pairs were made and landing it at retail was nearly impossible, that line of thinking is null and void.

With the aftermarket flooded, the soaring price points out they aren't worth it. Instead, copping the traditional "Playoffs" or even the "Master" XIIs that dropped earlier this year are a better use of one's funds.

Hype vs. Quality: Hype