Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” NOT Releasing in 2025

The Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” is a classic color scheme that will return in Spring 2025. An original release, the 2025 iteration marks the fifth time the sneakers will return to retailers. Jordan Brand will update the shape for this pair and ensure OG branding is used.

Jordan Brand will have a strong lineup of releases for Spring 2025, which includes a handful of original colorways. Twenty-eight years after its debut, the “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12 will return. Truly a classic, the “Flu Game,” also known as “Black and Red,” is one of five original colorways. The last time we saw this pair debut was in 2016, and in 2025, Jordan Brand will update the shape, making them closer to the OG, and include Nike branding on the packaging.

The Truth About MJ’s Flu Game Performance

For years, Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals was known as the “Flu Game.” This was due to Michael Jordan playing with an illness, but he still performed incredibly well. Jordan scored 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while playing 44 minutes. With 25 seconds left, MJ also made a 3-point gaming winning basket. But did Michael Jordan have the flu or another illness?

In short, he did not have the flu but a stomach virus. The Chicago Bulls were staying in Park City, Utah, and at about 10 P.M., Jordan got hungry. Almost all the local restaurants were closed, but one pizza spot was still open. When the pizza showed up, so did five delivery guys. This raised suspicion, but Jordan still ate the whole pizza. He would shortly spend the next 20 hours throwing up. The “Flu Game” nickname stuck for this Air Jordan 12, and we don’t see them being called the “Throw Up” 12 any time soon.

Releases Through the Years

The “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12 has been released four times throughout the years, with the fifth launching in 2025. The original release occurred in 1997, while the first retro dropped in 2003. The next retro was in 2009, but Jordan Brand changed things up on this release. On the lateral side towards the heel, we have 97-98, referencing the NBA Finals performance and a sick emoji. The same emoji is placed on the lower tongues. Instead of leather, it came with a Black suede upper. The last time we saw this shoe arrive at retailers was in 2016. This rendition was close to the original pair. However, the 2025 release will get even closer.

For fans looking for a true-to-OG Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game,” you won’t have to worry about this pair being part of the “Reimagined” series. The shoes won’t have different materials, nor will they come with aged accents. Getting back to its roots, the 2025 rendition will have an updated shape, and the box will feature the Nike Air logo instead of the Jumpman. Dressed in a Black and Varsity Red color scheme. It utilizes Black tumbled leather on the upper and tongues, while the same shade adorns the laces and liner. Highlighting the shoes, we have Red across the textured mudguard, midsole, Jumpman branding, and heels. You can expect Nike Air branding on the insoles. Other details include a carbon fiber shank plate and Red and Black on the rubber outsole.

Air Jordan 12 Flu Game 2025 Release Date

The Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” will be released at select Jordan Brand retailers and online via Nike.com in Spring 2025. This means a release will take place between January and March 2025. Currently, the retail price is unknown. We will keep you in the loop as soon as we have more information. For now, scroll below for more photos of the 2016 pair.

The return of the “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12 in Spring 2025 heralds the revival of a timeless classic in sneaker culture. As an original release that has captivated fans for decades, the 2025 iteration marks the fifth time that these iconic sneakers will grace the shelves of retailers. With Jordan Brand’s commitment to updating the shape and ensuring the use of OG branding, enthusiasts can anticipate a faithful recreation of this legendary silhouette.

Visit our Air Jordan Release Dates page for more upcoming drops from the brand.

Update (5/16/24): The “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12 is NOT releasing in 2025. Instead, Jordan Brand will release the “Bloodline” Air Jordan 12.

The information is in collaboration with zsneakerheadz.

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