The rich infusion of Cuban culture in Miami can hit the senses like a strong cup of joe hits the bloodstream. If there’s a soundtrack of the city, it’s Cuban music. If there’s a signature fragrance, it’s some Bustelo or Vitalis. To not feel the warmth of Latin tradition is to not experience Miami in its true form.
For SoleFly, whose collaborations often represent a blend of both worlds, their next Jordan project is an opportunity to shed light on a long-lasting morning ritual that represents far more than a caffeine fix. Cuban coffee is deeply steeped in tradition; it’s an experience shared across multiple generations of Cubans who found a home in South Florida.
While we await more details, we spoke with Carlos Prieto, co-founder of SoleFly, to discuss the Air Jordan 12 collaboration and the concept that drove the design.
The SoleFly x Air Jordan 12 “Cafecito” is available via SoleFly here.
“It’s important to stay true to our roots, working to keep the authenticity of Miami alive while embracing the evolution around us.”
Carlos Prieto on Miami’s changing landscape
Sneaker News: You’ve been able to express the Cuban and Miami culture so thoroughly throughout all the Jordan collaborations. What’s the central theme with this Air Jordan 12?
SoleFly: For this Air Jordan 12 collaboration, the central theme is Cuban coffee, a symbol of warmth, tradition, and community that’s deeply woven into the fabric of Latino culture here in Miami. Cuban coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a ritual that brings people together, an experience shared across generations, and a daily reminder of heritage.
We wanted this design to capture that essence—the strength, boldness, and unity that Cuban coffee represents. Through this shoe, we’re honoring those cultural roots, inviting everyone who wears it to feel that connection to community, culture, and the Cuban spirit of Miami.
“We wanted this design to capture that essence—the strength, boldness, and unity that Cuban coffee represents.”
Carlos on the the Air Jordan 12 concept
The Air Jordan 12 is notoriously difficult to design on considering the shoe itself is so bold. Were there any challenges with this one?
The Air Jordan 12 is definitely one of the more challenging silhouettes to work with due to its unique “rising sun” patterns across the upper.
The Air Jordan 12 is definitely one of the more challenging silhouettes to work with due to its unique “rising sun” patterns across the upper. For this design, the biggest challenge was finding a balance-creating something fresh and inspired by Cuban coffee while still respecting the OG elements that make the 12 so iconic.
To add depth without overpowering the original design, we incorporated a cracked leather detail, symbolizing the texture of a worn in ceramic cup as well as the styrofoam texture found on Colada cups that are traditionally used to pour smaller Cuban Cafecitos, adding a subtle, meaningful layer. It was all about honoring the legacy of the 12 while bringing our culture and story to life in a new way.
The leather on the mudguard might be among the softest, most buttery leathers ever used on an Air Jordan 12. Anything to add regarding that choice?
We chose an exceptionally soft, buttery leather for the mudguard to elevate the overall feel and craftsmanship of the Air Jordan 12. This choice was inspired by the richness and smoothness of a perfectly brewed Cuban coffee, adding a tactile element that mirrors that experience. By using this premium leather, we wanted to bring a new level of luxury to the silhouette while also emphasizing quality and comfort—making the shoe feel as special as the story it represents.
“This release experience will celebrate that unique, everyday ritual, bringing people together in a way that feels true to Miami’s Latino roots…”
Carlos on the upcoming release activation in Miami
The SoleFly x Jordan collabs always seem to align with a significant cultural moment. What are the plans with the AJ12?
For the release of the SoleFly x Air Jordan 12, we wanted to honor a cherished cultural tradition by launching it at a local Latin diner spot, specifically through la ventanita. La ventanita is an iconic feature in our community—where so many of us grab a quick Cuban coffee on the go and connect with each other.
This release experience will celebrate that unique, everyday ritual, bringing people together in a way that feels true to Miami’s Latino roots and the Cuban coffee theme behind the design. We’ll release the location in a special way closer to the release date, so keep an eye out for that!
Any hidden details on the AJ12 design that might go overlooked?
One of the hidden details on this Air Jordan 12 is the design on the outsole, which features a pattern inspired by the iconic Cuban tiles often seen in homes and cafés across Latin America and now Miami. This subtle yet meaningful detail pays homage to the rich architectural heritage of Cuban culture. It’s a nod to the places where so many family memories are made, adding another layer of connection to the culture that shaped this design.
The Air Jordan 17 Low had a big moment this year, but you guys did it way back in 2018 with the Alternate Lightning. What were some memorable moments during the design process or the release of that shoe?
Looking back, we definitely felt like we were ahead of the game when we decided to design the reverse version of the iconic Air Jordan 17 Low “Lightning” that Michael Jordan wore during the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. It was memorable to reimagine such a classic, flipping the colorway to give it a fresh look while paying tribute to that moment in MJ’s career. The anticipation and excitement during the release made it even more special, especially knowing we were bringing a unique spin to a shoe that’s so meaningful in Jordan’s legacy.
We just saw a pair sold for over $2k. Is it time for a SoleFly X AJ17 Low Part 2?
Let’s just say we’re always open to revisiting some of our past projects. The SoleFly x AJ17 Low holds a special place for us, and who knows what the future might bring?
The landscape of Miami has changed since the pandemic, with an increase in residential developments, gentrification, people move from out of state, etc. That said, what are the pros and cons of that given your roots in Miami as long-time citizens and also as business owners?
Miami’s growth has brought exciting new energy to the city—there’s a lot more diversity, and the demand for unique experiences has allowed us to get even more creative with our brand and our community engagement. The influx of people from all over has introduced new perspectives and expanded the culture in many ways.
But with that growth, we’ve also seen the challenges of rising costs, gentrification, and increased competition as other retailers make their way here. For us, as locals and business owners, it’s important to stay true to our roots, working to keep the authenticity of Miami alive while embracing the evolution around us.
The SoleFly x Air Jordan 12 “Cafecito” will release exclusively at SoleFly on December 6th.