Air Jordan 12
The Air Jordan 12 from 1996 is one of the most robust Jordans: a high-top in thick leather with stitched lines that run like sun rays from the toe across the upper. Tinker Hatfield based that pattern on the Japanese rising sun flag. Within Air Jordan, the 12 is best known as the ‘Flu Game’ shoe.
The history of the Air Jordan 12
Besides the Japanese flag, Hatfield also named a 19th-century women’s shoe as inspiration, which gives the 12 its slightly dressy, boot-like shape. It was the first Air Jordan with full-length Zoom Air. The original colours from the 1996-97 season included ‘Taxi’, ‘Playoffs’, ‘Cherry’ and ‘Obsidian’.
In June 1997 Jordan played Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz while ill, and still scored 38 points. He wore the black-and-red 12 that night, known ever since as the ‘Flu Game’. The Bulls won their fifth title that year. Its successor, the Air Jordan 13, arrived in 1997.
Design and technology
Sturdy leather forms the upper, on many versions with a texture resembling reptile skin on the front. The stitched ‘sun rays’ are the most recognisable detail. Underfoot there is full-length Zoom Air cushioning, which stays low to the ground and feels responsive. The whole shoe is heavier than most Jordans, but also very hard-wearing.
Popular Air Jordan 12 colorways
On WOOVIN these Jordan 12s stand out at the moment:
- Jordan 12 Retro ‘Melo’ (2025) – white with light blue and silver accents.
- Jordan 12 Retro ‘Royalty Taxi’ – white with black and metallic gold.
- Jordan 12 Retro ‘Taxi’ (2025) – white with black and golden yellow, based on a colour from 1996.
- Jordan 12 Retro ‘Bloodline’ – almost entirely black with red details.
How does the Air Jordan 12 differ from the Air Jordan 11?
The two followed each other, but feel very different. The Air Jordan 11 combines patent leather with mesh and a carbon plate, and looks elegant. The 12 is made entirely of thick leather, sturdier and heavier, with full-length Zoom Air. If you want shine, pick the 11; if you want a shoe that can take a beating, pick the 12.
How does the Air Jordan 12 fit?
Retailers and wearers largely agree on the fit of the Air Jordan 12: it runs true to size. The thick leather feels stiff for the first few days and needs some breaking in. With narrow feet you simply pull the laces a little tighter; if you have wide feet and feel pressure on the sides, choose half a size up.
Buy the Air Jordan 12 at WOOVIN
WOOVIN carries the Jordan 12 in classics such as Taxi and Flu Game and in newer colours like the Melo. Because the leather is so sturdy, this model is a good candidate if you want a Jordan for daily wear in wet weather. Unsure about the colour? A white base is the easiest to combine.
