Air Jordan 12: The "Flu Game" and Japanese Inspiration
The Air Jordan 12, released in 1996, is one of the most durable and significant sneakers in the Jordan line, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Its unique design was inspired by two distinct sources: the Japanese "Rising Sun" flag and a 19th-century women's dress boot. The radiating stitched lines on the shoe's side panels are a direct nod to the sun rays on the flag, while the textured, reptile-like mudguard drew from the elegant dress boot. The AJ12 was also the very first Air Jordan to feature full-length Zoom Air cushioning, a technological leap that provided superior responsiveness on the court. It is most famously associated with the legendary "Flu Game" from the 1997 NBA Finals, where Michael Jordan, battling what was believed to be a severe flu (later revealed to be food poisoning), scored 38 points to lead the Bulls to a crucial victory. This historic moment cemented the black and red "Flu Game" colorway as one of the most iconic sneakers of all time.