The Jordan 12 was already fire when it first dropped in ‘97, but the “Flu Game” moment turned it into a cultural icon. Jordan laced them up and put on a masterclass in perseverance. The shoe itself? Straight-up premium.
The 2025 retro stays faithful to the original design, featuring that classic black tumbled leather upper with radiant stitching inspired by the Japanese Rising Sun Flag. Bold Varsity Red lizard-textured mudguards adorn the front of the shoe. The Jumpman logo on the tongue pairs well with the "TWO 3" embroidered in red under the black laces.
Heel tab branding and the iconic “23” on the back all return to give it that OG feel. Also on the heel is the word "Jordan" in red along with the phrase "Quality Inspired By the Greatest Player Ever." Tinker Hatfield certainly knew what he was doing when he designed these kicks.
You can't miss the Zoom Air technology with a full-length unit encased in a Phylon midsole and a carbon fiber mid-foot support shank. The red midsole here gives way to a black and red outsole. Black traction pads on the forefoot and heel provided MJ with plenty of grip as he evaded every opponent.
As the first signature shoe released under Jordan Brand, this was also the first kick to eschew the Nike Swoosh — a move that cemented the Black Cat as a sneaker force of his own.
Since its debut, this colorway has made a few comebacks. The first retro arrived in 2003, keeping things close to the OG. Then, 2009 brought a twist with a suede upper and unique “Flu Game” callouts. In 2016, Jordan Brand went back to the original look, and now, in 2025, it’s happening again. No gimmicks, no unnecessary tweaks — just a faithful recreation of one of the most significant Jordans ever released.
Want to secure your pair? The Jordan 12 Retro “Flu Game” will be available in men’s, grade school, preschool, and toddler sizes, but don’t sleep — these won’t sit. Be ready on March 1 to grab your pair at your local Hibbett or City Gear store.
Launch raffles are opening soon, so download the Hibbett mobile app for details on how to cop. And if you miss out this time, make sure to check the sneaker launch calendar for upcoming heat. This is one release you’ll regret passing on.
