The Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” is one of the most iconic sneakers in basketball history, forever linked to one of Michael Jordan’s most legendary playoff performances. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 12 throughout the Chicago Bulls’ championship season during the 1996-97 NBA season, but it was the simple Black/Varsity Red Bulls colorway that was put into legendary status when he wore them in the 1997 NBA Finals.
In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Jordan played through severe illness—widely believed to be food poisoning or the flu—and led the Bulls to a 90-88 victory over the Utah Jazz, giving Chicago a 3-2 series lead.
Despite being visibly fatigued, sweating excessively, and struggling to stay on his feet, Jordan finished with 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in 44 minutes, including a clutch go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute. His performance cemented the Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” as a symbol of perseverance and greatness. Since then, the Air Jordan 12 in Black/Varsity Red has been synonymous with this iconic moment in NBA history.
The Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” last released in 2016 and is set to return this weekend at Jordan Brand retailers on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Retail Prices:
- $210 for Adult Sizes
- $160 for Grade School Sizes
- $100 for Pre-School Sizes
- $85 for Toddler Sizes
The legendary sneaker has stood the test of time and is expected to sell out once again, nearly three decades after its original 1997 release.
