Sick Kicks Incoming: Sneak Peek at the Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game"

Updated 12th February, 2025: After endless debates and sneakerhead speculation, the legendary “Flu Game” Jordan 12s are officially making a comeback on 1st March.

The legendary Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" is officially coming back in 2025, adding to an already stacked lineup of new Jordan releases this year.

After months of speculation and back-and-forth reports last summer, fans can finally look forward to the return of this iconic sneaker.

Looking at the 2025 Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game," we can see that the Jordan Brand has stayed true to its roots. The shape, materials, and beloved black and red colourway remain faithful to the original design; exactly what longtime fans appreciate. No unnecessary updates, just the timeless aesthetic that made this shoe a classic. While an exact release date has yet to be confirmed, the anticipation is already building.

The Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" cemented its legendary status when Michael Jordan turned a fever into fire during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals. Michael Jordan, battling an apparent illness, delivered one of the most memorable performances in NBA history. Struggling to even walk to the bench during timeouts, Jordan was visibly exhausted, often seen hunched over with a towel draped over his head, sipping Gatorade to stay in the game.

The story goes that Jordan battled food poisoning from a sketchy pizza delivered to his hotel the night before. Or, if you believe the rumours, it was less "bad pizza" and more "bad decisions" tied to his infamous gambling escapades. Either way, what happened on the court was pure magic. Despite looking like he might pass out at any moment, Jordan dropped 38 points, snagged 7 rebounds, served up 5 assists, and swiped 3 steals; basically dragging the Bulls to a crucial Game 5 win all by himself.

That night, Jordan wore the black and red Air Jordan 12, which has since become synonymous with his "Flu Game" performance and remains one of the most iconic sneakers in history.

The Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" first debuted in 1997 and has seen a few notable retros over the years. The 2003 re release stayed true to the original design, while the 2009 version introduced a suede upper and added storytelling elements like emoji style graphics to symbolise Jordan's illness. The most recent Retro came in 2016, bringing the design back to its purest form.

Now, nearly a decade later, the "Flu Game" is set to return in 2025. While a specific release date hasn’t been announced as of January, the shoes will be available globally at Jordan retailers and on SNKRS, offered in full family sizing.