A 1997 Original Brought Back to Life!

[@_Restorekicks]

Amazing video. High production and honest with great background knowledge of the shoe! It was a pleasure working with you and shoes you care so much about. I’m looking forward to working with you again in the future. PSA: anyone who is looking to have a pair of shoes restored feel free to reach out, for those who commented saying they would love to get a pair of shoes restored be on the lookout for a message from me! Thank you for all the continued support ❤

[@MrFantastic23]

I have good amount of OG's and shoes that are decades old that I have kept around because I have wanted to get restored. Hit me up I would definitely be interested!

[@RFakaWRXringland]

just sent a request. Great job been following for bout a year now

[@Simon_E32]

Anyone who's tried to restore a shoe for the first time knows the pain of picking up a shoe with the intent to restore and never getting around to it, or worse: messing it up. Glad you got yours restored the right way, it's so cool this community is so committed to preservation

[@keyser_söze23]

Replace shoe with a car....that's when the real headaches begin! But, goes for anything worth restoring.

[@gilbert2821]

aah yes, the elementary days where one can trade shoes for a day or two with a classmate. even with jordans, nikes and reeboks. miss those days.

[@ruyldev8556]

In HS the 1st ever Nike Air shoe I ever played in was a borrowed pair. My classmate swapped his Air flight 89s for my Converse. The feel of it blew me away!

[@ken901_kt]

For the Algorithm

[@LeTeizJordan317]

Hello

[@kevinbao6905]

For the Algorithm

[@LeTeizJordan317]

@@kevinbao6905 Hello

[@LeTeizJordan317]

@@kevinbao6905 What's Good

[@sejiroagosa]

This Was Super Dope…The Shape Of The OGs Is Incredible!

[@russellgray1917]

That was cool.....Like Shoe Anatomy 101! Next up Theory of Carbon Fiber and Zoom Air Placement 210. Seriously, this video was kinda dope, it was cool to see how the shoes come together. I'd love to have my Rare Air 4's restored. Thanks for another entertaining video from Weartesters, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@LeBeautiful]

FOR THE ALGO!!! The entire shoe looks awesome, great work Restore!

[@just_jayvin]

For the algorithm, but man, those are amazing. Love the whole dissection of the shoe, certainly gives more perspective into the tech of the sneaker!

[@alf3052]

Shotout to the friends that let you switch shoes with them for the day and also let you borrow toys. Had a friend let me take home all the power rangers megazords and the white tigersword to play with for a week!! Good times.

[@timeoutshirt]

Amazing video. Man that shape on the ogs is so perfect.

[@tjm_tk]

i bought a pair of og taxi 12s that have been restored on ebay for a really good price, the guy even had a long youtube video showing the restoration so I felt good about it.

[@MM-x6c]

QOTD: Great gifts. I too would not wear a pair of shoes that says “daddy” on them within 500 feet of anywhere trash is talked. :) Excellent job on the restoration, and you picked a great shoe for it, too. I absolutely agree with you that there’s no rhyme or reason behind the choices made in the quality of materials and accuracy of details in retro Jordans. The philosophy seems to be “sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t,” and given that the man himself still has the final say on everything that bears his name, I just don’t get it. Each successive model (until retirement) was the flagship basketball sneaker of all time, and when they retro the original colorways, this fact doesn’t seem to be taken into account. I think there have been hits and misses in the decision-making in the Kobe Protro line that would be different if Kobe was still with us. But MJ is still here and that’s why it baffles me that the defining characteristic of retro Jordans (for years, so we can’t blame it all on John Donahoe) has been to do whatever results in an “anti-Protro” product. The only thing elevated is the price. Thanks for the review! Awesome video with great knowledge and details. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and to everyone in the comments. See you soon.

[@brauprx]

I have a bunch of shoes that need restoration, and, just like you, I thought it will be great to learn how to do it, but maaaan, it takes really a lot of money, work and time! The good fella from Restore kicks did an amazing job with those 12s, they are a thing of beauty, I really regret of dumping away my trashed OG pair, if I only knew back then that sneaker restoration will be possible in the future 😢

[@jordancoughlin9922]

If my younger self knew what I know now I would of keep all my OGs...but back then we just beat them & just get a new pair..You guys are awesome just keep grinding guys your amazing...This is my favorite channel...Much Love to Weartesters❤

[@Smakowy69]

So now You know the felling when your favourite pair is in pristine condition again 🙂 I'm watching content about sneakers long enough i fixed all my early 2000 retros by myself and yeah. That's a hella good feeling 😎

[@ricks03210]

Beautiful!! I too am part of the og community being that I'm 44 lol ......I have 2 pair of OGs from 97, Taxi's and Playoffs, worn of course....but the quality, design cuts, and the sleekness are far superior than the retro trash Nike has put out since!! Not even close!! Congratulations on the restoration!!

[@AddOnKicks]

These turned out awesome, great work by restorekicks! 👏👏👏

[@_Restorekicks]

@@AddOnKicks thank you for the kind words!

[@KQGMAN]

This was an amazing restoration! Tbh, Nike and Jordan brand need to fix the shape on Jordan 12’s.

[@andysilva8548]

Great video! Love seeing the OGs back in wearable form! Very jealous! I'll never forget seeing the 12s in the Kicks section of Slam! for the first time back in 97!

[@owintwenty2]

Amazing!!!!!! Might have to do the same. I have those and the playoffs from back in the day. Shoutout to you all putting in the work to making this come back to life.

[@_Restorekicks]

@@owintwenty2 Hey! I’d be more than happy to help you out!! Do you have an Instagram handle or email I can reach you at?

[@darthganu]

I have a pair of the same '97 12's but with the reverse taxi colorway (black/white sides) but mine have cracked sole before the carbon fibre spring plate. You are correct about the better leather quality of the 97 edition. I also played my shoes in indoor courts only. They gave me the best support because I never suffered any sprained ankles whenever I used those shoes. I am thinking of having them restored so I can wear them again casually.

[@demetriusbryson1706]

My cousin gave me his pair of OG Cherry 🍒 12’s & they were ran into the ground back in 98’ and I took them, those were my 1st Air Jordan’s and it was over after that…I still have them to this very day…I hit on Sneakers App and I forgot I was bidding for a pair of Cherry 12’s on another site & I WON but I just was never too lucky on raffles for 3 Years Straight, So I have 2 Pair of 2023’s and 1 OG…I don’t have money to DOUBLE’UP but I just had to live with it. Love Your Channel 🫡 and The Great Story’s we all relate to…!!! Thanks 🙏 Again, Got Love For You2…!!!

[@CDSXCalibur]

I hit on a raffle for these when they were last released and forgot I signed up. 🎉 😂 Almost tanked my bank account.

[@demetriusbryson1706]

@ my account was on slight life support, it’s crazy how we laugh at matters later on down the line…lol Stay Blessed My Brother. Ive learned that if you don’t wear our sneakers, they WILL FALL APART…LOL so I’m a bus driver and i switch up twice a day, the youth love it…I tell them that it took over 25 years of collecting to get where I’m at…!!!

[@OGjumpman423]

🔥 That’s The Way To Go, Retros For Parts, Og To Wear, DS Pair For Collection👌

[@jamestaitano252]

Glorious! Love the shape of the OGs too. What an awesome grail to have restored.

[@SpideyHooper]

I also have an original pair of white & red 13s that I’ve wanted to get stored 4 eva. That’s cat’s eye is so cloudy on em. Thanks for sharing who took care of your 12s 4 U

[@_Restorekicks]

@@SpideyHooper hey thanks for leaving a comment. I’ll be more than happy to assist you! Are you available to provide an Instagram handle or email I can reach you at?

[@MrFantastic23]

Had an OG pair of the Black and Red and the Black and Whites. Such a great shoe to play in and just walk around in. I did get a pair of the 09's but yeah there wasn't quite that luxury feel. I feel bad for people that were not alive in the golden era of shoes when full grain leather was basically the standard. I have a bunch of OG shoes that are just falling apart. I have the original retro AJ II, X and smoke grey IX's that are at the top of my list. The next one I would say is the Nike Shox Stunner basketball shoe and the Air Adjust Force! Those are two of my favorite all time hoop shoes! I don't think many people will remember these two but I loved them!

[@Dkgtrukeepingitdatruth]

Cool break down on the air Jordan 12

[@billybob5081]

You should start making this a series, getting old pairs restored

[@_Restorekicks]

@@billybob5081 🙏🏽🙏🏽g

[@SirPierreSe]

Good that there are still some cobblers left in the world. Ive tried to fix some OG Air Jordans at cobblers here in Sweden, but not with good results.

[@_Restorekicks]

@@SirPierreSe if you ever need my services please don’t hesitate to reach out!

[@xvegan666x]

Chris you are a beast when comes to videos on this channel🔥 you guys do great, this was my second Jordan i ever got in 1997 and still have my OG, not wearable, but saved for sentimental reasons, great to see yours restored.

[@199947]

If I can get my 97's to look like this again. That would be awesome! Look great!!

[@chiqchiq95]

I love being able to enjoy the OG shoes I have owned before, and glad to see that you also share that passions as well! Good restoration and I hope to see more of your old shoes brought back to life! Holiday theme QOTD: If you could celebrate, as a family, Christmas and/or New Year not at your house, where would it be and why?

[@sneakyberlin2060]

I have the latest AJ12 Retro, and I really like it, but your 1997 pair is on another level-so much fresher! I've never owned an OG pair of the AJ12 (started with the 13), but I’d love to have something like this. It’s such a shame JB doesn’t make them like this anymore!

[@psquaredddd]

These videos are one of the many reasons you’re the GOAT! 🙏🏻

[@_Restorekicks]

@@psquaredddd 🔥

[@pgarcia23ksk11]

What a time to be alive!!

[@traightlikethat7750]

I find myself buying old DS Js now like 96 bred 11s, 00 space jams, a couple CDPs, because I just love the shape and materials they used on those compared to what there releasing now

[@alfatir14]

This is gonna be emotional! 12's were the first Jordan I bought with my own money! 😂

[@angelortunorubio6899]

I love these videos. The great work done is appreciated. Thanks for sharing!

[@iq34]

these days it's such an outlandish concept to think about the budget model being pretty much the same thing as the flagship

[@michaelmarks9002]

Awesome video. This was my first Jordan when I was in 1st grade. The 12 and 13 are such unique shoes so beautiful

[@sinsear2404]

I had the originals, none of the retros have ever felt like the og.

[@jimmyschlenk9502]

Video of your year! Keep up the great content! Straight 🔥

[@_Restorekicks]

@@jimmyschlenk9502 🔥🔥

[@yos025]

My fav of all time. AJ12’s is the way.

[@JabbarFahim]

I love 12’s so much, they’re so comfy and supportive

[@tuomas.t212]

I Love my OG 12 Playoffs. They were my 1st shoes that I bougth with my own saved money. I have a story how I got them. I live in Finland and back in the day, we did not have any store who would sell Jordans in Finland. I had to travel by cruise boat to Sweden and buy them from there. After I got them. I 1st played inside with them and after that I also used them playing outdoors. They are basicly distroyed but I have still saved them. One of my favorite shoes all time. Keep grinding with your videos! 😃🙏🏻

[@_Restorekicks]

@@tuomas.t212 Amazing story. If you ever want to entertain the idea of having them restored let’s do it!! Just let me know here and we can coordinate something!

[@billyalkirom]

We need more video about OG Air Jordan like this🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@DioOnore]

Such a gorgeous pair man!

[@nick-vy3dm]

Game and the soulful background music. Forever here ❤

[@elusana]

oh man I’m ready for a potential restoration review series from you

[@_Restorekicks]

@@elusana this would be 🔥

[@MizuMaloon]

I remember my best friend had them when they 1st released. He always had the new Jordans every year.

[@thomass0487]

That's a super clean restoration job! I have several that I would love to get restored - 08 Penny 2 (black/royal), 01 Flint grey Jordan 13, 04 playoff Jordan 12, 01 true blue Jordan 3, Nike x True Air Max 97, 07 military blue Jordan 4 and 08 CDP black cement Jordan 4

[@JV-rl3kl]

Hahaha in hindsight maybe leave the Daddy off, but the thought and care is definitely there. They need to bring Nike ID back to its former glory. Great restoration, this video was awesome to watch. Restoring shoes is really dope. The best part was putting a newer zoom unit back in the midsole. So sweet. Thanks for the great review. Might go back and see if you reviewed that Daddy pair and if not maybe show em off for like 10 sec. Just blur out the Daddy text on the back.

[@levzakharov]

Thanks for sharing: interesting restoration story + tech dive 🤩

[@LeoKale91123]

He just restored my Yeezy Blinks..amazing job!!

[@francysantos1916]

I still have my 2009 (I did pick up the recent release) in literally amazing condition. I love them because of how they came with the retro card and everything. I’m going to wear them more since I have a fresh pair

[@stealth7o3]

The shoe I want to restore so bad is I still have my OG pair of eastbay special Carolina blue Jordan 14’s!

[@_Restorekicks]

@@stealth7o3 I’ll be happy to help you! Do you have an Instagram handle or email I can reach you at?

[@joshuaayala3477]

This was a captivating review. Great job!

[@_Restorekicks]

@@joshuaayala3477 An amazing review. He did his thing!

[@mattsechelski1541]

That's a clean pair. I can imagine the cost. We live in my wife's grandparents old house, and we did a complete gut and remodel on it. I would say it is a case study in what not to do if you want to make money flipping houses. But like those shoes, we're happy with the outcome.

[@yeahmox]

The shape is 🔥

[@TheSmartSneakerhead]

My goodness these are fire! Niceee restoration

[@_Restorekicks]

@@TheSmartSneakerhead 🔥🔥

[@spiderkillsthefly8079]

Algi comment! Love the videos keep them coming and stay true to you!

[@stevestash1049]

Looking good bro! I’m planning on going the route of having my older kicks restored cus many new releases are just a let down. You also brought me back to low top 6s in about 02-04 i was in junior high & my boy let me rock his pair for the day hahaha

[@1andonlyhoncho]

Those look awesome. Great work by the restorer.

[@sethallen1127]

Beautiful! Nothing beats OG quality. 🔥🔥

[@SpaceAce.3]

I have a pair of OG playoff 12s that i would love to get restored. The were bought at the old Copeland sports store in the mall.

[@jordanporter5833]

I had an original pair in 97. I have 1 pic of me wearing them to my grandparents house on Christmas. Old navy jean suit with Jordan 12s

[@ryansnaj7036]

I've got a pair of adidas Predator Powerswerve cleats from 2006 I'd love to get restored

[@ken901_kt]

Great Video!!

[@MrRoda8143]

I miss my OG '97 pair in the playoffs cw. When I had to relocate in a hurry to a different state over a decade ago, I failed to grab a lot of my personal stuff with me, and those shoes were among the stuff left behind.

[@03jecht]

I'm happy you got em back.

[@AddOnKicks]

The "Daddy" shoe story 🤣🤣🤣

[@ruyldev8556]

😂😂😂 Had me almost laughing out loud in Starbucks. 😂😂😂

[@AlexanderKunDesu]

Congrats on getting your Cherry 12’s restored. I should hit up the guy that worked on your sneakers. My black/blue Orlando Penny 2 from 2008 fell apart on me.

[@_Restorekicks]

@@AlexanderKunDesu hey Alexander my name is Marcus. I’ll be more than happy to help you out. Do you have an Instagram handle or email I can reach you at?

[@ptown24]

Excellent job 1 of my favorite 12s

[@tonytone347]

Top 5 Christmas movies of all time? Mine: Home Alone, Elf, Jingle All The Way, Die Hard, Home Alone 2

[@Turbokitten643]

They came out great. Also, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Real-Ez]

I dont have any kicks that need restoring other than re-dying the color but its cool that you were able to do this, i bet you put them on immediately after you got them lol

[@_Restorekicks]

@@Real-Ez Hey even if you need the re dye done I can help you with that also. Do you have an Instagram handle or Email I can reach you at?

[@thegovernor8222]

Great vid re: resto process … thanks!!!

[@pjmejac10]

12s are my favorite Jordan silhouette. So comfortable

[@IAmInfinitus208]

Man, those are a beauty!

[@jayeads]

They look so good!

[@perryeue]

Hopefully someday Nike brings back those Penny 2 Royals, I been waiting on the return 🔥🔥

[@adrianguzman4373]

I was just listening to The song “I need a doctor” by dr Dre and Eminem right before I saw and clicked on this video and the whole interaction I just had from the Chorus saying “.. I need a doctor ..to bring me back to life..” and seeing the title “a 1997 brought back a to life!”and clicking on the video hearing you say “..this pair is finally wearable again..” felt like a complete interaction from beginning to end lol crazy perfect timing all around lol I doubt anyone cares about my interaction but definitely had to share lol also potential question of the day , what’s your favorite holiday Themed sneaker collabs or your go to sneaker for the holidays? For instance me personally I love the Kobe grinches and reverse grinches

[@_Restorekicks]

@@adrianguzman4373 Great story! Thanks for sharing

[@monk3ymasta]

THIS content! 🤌 Smashing like

[@_Restorekicks]

@@monk3ymasta 🔥🔥

[@ericeighteen]

Its like from the movie Dodgeball the older man that was dom, he needed his daddy collar 😆🤣🤣😭

[@aviazx1799]

Good resto for sure!!

[@thomascalderon598]

I had my Air Jordan X fixed by Flippin Kickz, and we kept everything execept the og air unit since it crumbled. So he filled in with some foam as a replacement. Been wearing one as my beaters with some Elite socks and the grip on them are so insane, even the cushion is top tier comfort. Hoping to get my swift 6s and playoff 12s fixed up soon.

[@hexamortis1410]

Tht toebox shape is so fire

[@donhoffa2510]

Legendary shoe. I paid like 300 for a pair of 09s back in '19 and got rid of them a few yrs ago. Even though I'm glad they re-released it does take away from the mystique (rarity).

[@johnsampson3821]

Wow. These are gorgeous!

[@craigchan737]

These look awesome

[@follicle_phantom]

Wow the OG’s look awesome, that’s amazing that they’re able to be restored to look so good. About how much does restoration cost?

[@scizor285]

I had a pair of Pumao XO Parallels (the black ones with the white accents). Loved those things to death. If I could rescue them, I would.

[@MattQuinlan-cx4vs]

I got Cherry 10s from 2005 that need to be re-glued. 10 last forever as well. Feel like those are coming right after the Steel 10s in 2025.

[@_Restorekicks]

@@MattQuinlan-cx4vs hey Matt I’ll be more than happy to help you! Do you have an Instagram handle or email I can reach you at?

[@Plvcky]

The Jordan 12 is my all-time favorite Jordan, specifically the “Taxi”

[@Taun24]

OG’s just look way better when it comes to the small deets 💯

[@leejaspersamson]

D E T A I L S 🐐🐐

[@86wasdayr2]

The 12 wear the bred and the cherry cw the best imo

[@ericeighteen]

The spiderman reference 🤣🤣😭

[@matthewlopez1881]

Would love to see how this restoration stuff will go with shoes that are recent. Like I still have my Navy Blue 1.0 Ultraboost that are worn to shreds and I would love to see them get restored if a retro never happens. It's special to me because that was my first expensive sneaker I bought for myself

[@BobbyObado]

They turned out great. A worthwhile investment if you have the money for it.