Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” lives on in ESPN segments, in Gatorade commercials, and more or less serves as the measuring stick for a player’s will or desire to compete. On the sneaker side of things, the famed pair of kicks continues to reign as a favorite among collectors and hoopers alike. Since launching in 1997, the shoe has returned in retro form twice.
The first retro release of the Air Jordan 12 Black/Red came in 2003. Like the original, paneled black leather laced the upper, contrasted by a robust red mudguard. The shoe was a success at retail and is rarely seen on-foot or for sale roughly a decade later.
In 2009, the Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” took the epic performance literally, but not seriously, adding date and point tagging to the heel beside a sick face icon. While the themed detailing was met with mixed reaction, the swapping of suede for leather was less liked. Over time, this installment has grown in popularity, but like most updated designs, the OG styling is still favored.
Is it time for the Air Jordan 12 Black/Red to return in original form? Let us know in the comment section, and share your favorite memories of Michael Jordan’s legendary Flu Game.
Lead image photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE/Getty Images via ESPN
