The Return of a Legend: Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” Sneakers Coming in 2025

I still remember where I was when Michael Jordan shuffled onto the court during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals. I was crammed into my buddy’s basement with about seven other guys, all of us huddled around a TV that was way too small for that many viewers. The Bulls were tied 2-2 with the Jazz, and rumors were swirling that MJ had food poisoning or the flu. Nobody knew if he’d even play.

But play he did. And boy, did he ever.

Fast forward to today, and I’m getting that same flutter of excitement because the iconic Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” sneakers are making another comeback in 2025. If you’re into sneakers at all (or even if you’re not), this is pretty big news.

Why These Sneakers Matter

Let me break it down for you. These aren’t just shoes. They’re basically time machines that take us back to one of the most legendary performances in basketball history. MJ was literally swaying on his feet between plays, looking like he might collapse at any moment. Yet somehow, he managed to score 38 points and lead the Bulls to victory. The man was practically being carried to the bench during timeouts!

The sneakers he wore that night? They became known as the “Flu Game” 12s, and they’ve been collector’s items ever since.

What Makes the 2025 Version Special

I got a peek at some early product photos, and let me tell you, these stay true to the original design that we all fell in love with. They’ve got that sleek black tumbled leather upper that feels like butter when you touch it. The varsity red accents pop against the black, creating that classic Bulls colorway that screams Michael Jordan.

The other day, I was showing my nephew some pictures of the upcoming release, and he asked, “What’s so special about old shoes?” Kids these days, right? I had to explain that these aren’t just any old shoes—they’re a piece of sports history.

The signature Jumpman logo stands out on the heel, and if you flip them over, you’ll see the carbon fiber shank plate that gives these kicks their distinctive look. They’ve also got Zoom Air cushioning, which means they’re actually comfortable to wear, unlike some other retro sneakers that look good but feel like bricks on your feet.

The Price Tag

Now, let’s talk money. These babies are expected to retail for around $200, though I’ve seen some listings show $210 for adult sizes. That’s not pocket change, I know. I remember when spending over $100 on sneakers seemed outrageous. Now here I am, setting aside cash for these months in advance!

Is it worth it? If you’re asking me (and since you’re reading my blog, I guess you are), absolutely. You’re not just buying shoes—you’re buying a conversation piece, a collector’s item, and a little slice of basketball history.

The Hunt Is On

Getting your hands on these won’t be easy. If history is any indication, they’ll sell out faster than hot coffee on a freezing morning. I’ve already set about six reminders on my phone for when they drop, and I’ve warned my wife that I might be glued to my computer that day.

Last time a popular Jordan retro released, I waited too long and ended up paying way over retail price from a reseller. Not my proudest financial moment, but such is the life of a sneakerhead. I’ve learned my lesson—this time I’ll be ready.

Why I’m Excited

Beyond the hype and the history, there’s something special about wearing a pair of shoes that connect you to a moment when someone pushed through their limits and achieved greatness. Every time I wear my Jordans, I stand a little taller. Weird, I know, but it’s true.

Plus, they just look cool. I wore my old pair of Jordan 12s to my daughter’s school last week, and her friend asked if I was a professional basketball player. I’m 5’9″ with a dad bod, but for a brief, glorious moment, I felt like I could dunk. That’s the power of Jordans, folks.

So mark your calendars for 2025. Whether you’re an old-school fan who watched that game live, a sneaker collector looking to add to your collection, or just someone who appreciates the story behind the shoes, the Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” release is going to be one to remember.

And if you manage to snag a pair, maybe you’ll feel a little bit of that MJ magic too. Just don’t expect to suddenly be able to hit a fade-away jumper. Trust me, I’ve tried.