Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Air Jordan line continues its storied pedigree. Forty models deep, the Air Jordan 12 still stands as a core member of the family, rivaled only by a few of its predecessors.

Nearly three decades since its initial outing in 1996, the anticipation surrounding the “Flu Game” AJ12’s return is apparent. This attests to the lore of both the shoe and the epic it represents, forever tethered to His Airness’s 1997 NBA Finals performance.

Scheduled to arrive on 1 March, the hype train’s locomotion is in full steam. And again, its Black tumbled leather upper accented by the Varsity Red mudguard will grace the SNKRS app and the shelves of select Jordan Brand retailers in full-family sizing.

To get you up to speed, here’s everything you need to know about the Jordan 12 “Flu Game”: its legend, how it fits, and a recommendation of its best collaborations and colorways.

Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”
(Black/Varsity Red)

View on SNKRDUNK

Why Is It Called the “Flu Game”?

The roar of the Delta Center was deafening, a Utah Jazz sea of white threatening to drown out the Chicago Bulls’ championship dreams. Game 5, 1997 NBA Finals, the first of two hardwon faceoffs.

Michael Jordan, despite his grit and ferocity from years past, now battled a different opponent: an invisible enemy that wracked his body with chills and nausea. He was a shadow of himself, his eyes heavy, his movements labored. Yet, he laced up his black and red Air Jordan 12s, a defiant act against the sickness that threatened to sideline him.

Tipoff, and Jordan, despite his weakened state, willed himself into action. He staggered, he sweated, he pushed through the pulsating illness that threatened to overwhelm him. Every jump shot, every drive to the basket, was a show of his notorious, fanatical determination. The crowd, a mix of awe and disbelief, watched as he poured in 38 points, a herculean effort that defied logic, one that surprised even his biggest detractors.

In the dying moments of the game, after erasing the Jazz’s 77–69 lead with a 10–0 run, Jordan, barely able to stand, sank a crucial three-pointer that gave his team a lead they would never lose. The image of him collapsing into Scottie Pippen’s arms, a picture of exhaustion and triumph, became, indubitably, one of sports’ most iconic.

Those “Bred” Air Jordan 12s he wore that night became more than just a pair of shoes. They became a symbol of resilience, a tangible reminder of a night when a 34-year-old Michael Jordan, battling an unseen foe, delivered a performance for the ages. Thus, they would forever be known as the “Flu Game” 12s, a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

The game and its narrative have been revisited several times in the ensuing two decades, but the Emmy-winning The Last Dance documentary brought the shoe renewed prominence, resulting in a spike in the secondary market for its 2016 retro.

Where To Buy the Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”

Unlike the recent, highly limited Air Jordan 1 “Bred” release, which was deliberately hyped to drive demand for its 23,000 pairs, the “Flu Game” 12s will be more widely available. You can expect to find them at various tier 0 retailers globally. Nevertheless, the SNKRDUNK App provides a convenient way to secure a pair.

How Does the Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” Fit?

The Air Jordan 12 presents a generally true-to-size fit for most wearers, aligning with typical Jordan Brand sneaker sizing. However, the shoe’s leather construction introduces a layer of nuance. While contributing to the shoe’s aesthetic hallmark, the premium leather upper has the potential to stretch slightly over time. This characteristic can result in a marginally looser fit after a break-in period, a factor worth considering when making a purchase.

For those with narrower feet, a half-size down from their standard sneaker size may provide a more secure and snug fit. This adjustment can be particularly beneficial after the leather has softened and conformed to the foot. Conversely, individuals with wider feet are generally advised to adhere to their true-to-size selection to avoid discomfort.

Several factors influence the optimal fit, including individual foot width, the anticipated break-in period, and personal comfort preferences. Ultimately, the most reliable method for determining the ideal fit is to try on a pair before purchasing.

Best Air Jordan 12 Collaborations and Colorways

A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 12
“White and Burgundy Crush”

View on SNKRDUNK

A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 12
“Black and Burgundy Crush”

View on SNKRDUNK

SoleFly x Air Jordan 12 Retro SP
“Baroque Brown”

View on SNKRDUNK

Air Jordan 12 “Playoffs”

View on SNKRDUNK

Air Jordan 12 “Royalty”

View on SNKRDUNK

Air Jordan 12 “Cherry”
(2023)

View on SNKRDUNK

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Twitter

More SNKRDUNK Features:
[SNKRDUNK Snapshots] Sneaker Con SEA 2025
Ranking the 9 Best Shoe Brands Today: Which Sneaker Brand Reigns Supreme?
Kanye West’s YZY: A Paradox of Progress and Peril in 2025
A Connoisseur’s Guide to The Best ASICS GT-2160 Colorways
Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” vs. Jordan 1 “Bred” vs. Union LA x Jordan 1