Michael Jordan’s basketball career was really one for the books. His iconic moments live on through vintage video clips and Netflix-sponsored docuseries but they’re also forever immortalized in the Jordan Brand’s sneaker collection.
You’ve got the “Shattered Backboard” Jordan 1s inspired by when Jordan, well, shattered a backboard while carrying out his greatest dunk of all time. The “Lucky Shorts” 3s spoke to the way Jordan wore his UNC practice shorts underneath his game-day uniform.
Then, there’s the “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12s.
The classic black and red Jordan 12s, initially released in 1997, derive their nickname from MJ’s performance during that year’s NBA Finals. Specifically, Jordan battled flu-like symptoms during the game, which may have been caused by “food poisoning” (IYKYK).
While sick and laced up in the iconic Jordan 12s, Jordan led the Bulls to victory against the Utah Jazz, resulting in one of his greatest basketball moments and another storied signature sneaker.
Now, 28 years later, the legendary Jordan 12 shoe is back.
The Jordan 12 “Flu Game” returns in nearly OG form, featuring stitched padded leather designed to resemble a sunrise. The sneaker also features the traditional pebbled moments, furthering the model’s seriously luxe vibes.
The Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” sneakers will finally rerelease on March 1 on Nike’s SNKRS app. It’s a solid kickoff to a month stacked with releases like Nigel Sylvester’s Jordan 4 and the Nike SB x Jordan 4 collaborations.
