The Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Reverse Flu Game' and Six Other 12s to Cop Now

Name a more dynamic duo than Michael Jordan and Tinker Hatfield, we'll wait. Over the course of the last 30 plus years, the basketball icon and the noted Nike designer have shifted styles thanks to their timeless work together. When it comes to decadence and durability, not many shoes have lasted the test of time quite like the Air Jordan 12.

Inspired by wingtip dress shoes and Japan's rising sun flag, the Air Jordan 12 proved both smooth and spirited when it debuted during the 1996-97 NBA season. Worn by Jordan on the campaign for his fifth NBA championship, the Tinker creation outfitted MJ for the memorable "Flu Game" in Utah. In the years since staking its claim in hoops history, the Air Jordan 12 has continued to transcend culture and fashion through retro releases.

In celebration of this weekend's debut of the Air Jordan 12 Retro "Reverse Flu Game," we're highlighting the best Air Jordan 12s available right now at Flight Club.

First appearing on the feet of Drake and his famous friends, the OVO x Air Jordan 12 "White" released in very limited supply in October 2016. Launched exclusively at OVO Toronto, OVO Los Angeles, and on the SNKRS App, this collaboration proved hard to get then and is still that way. By swapping in stingray on the mudguard and implementing tasteful gold accents throughout, the OVO x Air Jordan 12 "White" hit a high note for fans of Drake and Mike alike.

Debuted by Michael Jordan at the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, the Air Jordan 12 "Playoff" foreshadowed the performance that the Chicago Bulls guard would put on that postseason. In the "Playoff" 12s, Jordan would go on to earn his fifth NBA title and his fifth NBA Finals MVP award. Fifteen years after its initial arrival, the Air Jordan 12 "Playoff" retro was released, introducing a new era to one of the smoothest sneakers ever made.

Subtle stunting is a strength of the Air Jordan 12 and the calling card for fashion label Public School New York. Pairing perfectly, this black and white exclusive only gifted to friends and family of PSNY uses smooth suede and quiet color-blocking for a rare wear that doesn't scream for attention. Elegant and elusive, these 12s are seldom seen, so whenever they're spotted in the wild they're a showstopper. Simply put, if you know, you know.

Bringing an original colorway back always comes with great fanfare and the 2013 Air Jordan 12 "Taxi" was no different. Dubbed "Taxi" thanks to yellow and black accents on both the branding and carbon fiber plate, this high-performance shoe propelled an aging Michael Jordan to peak performance. In the season that saw the "Taxi" 12s debut, Jordan started all 82 games and averaged a league-leading 29.6 points per game. Not bad for a 33-year-old All-Star playing in pinstripes.

Eastern influence has long been present in the ascent of Jordan Brand. On the Air Jordan 12 "Chinese New Year," the court classic underwent a zodiac makeover by implementing black satin styling on the upper. This novel upgrade was meant to tear away, revealing the joyful Bai Jia Yi pattern on the ankle collar. Adorned with gold eyelets and sail mudguards, these celebratory sneakers added yet another new layer to the legacy of the Air Jordan 12.

Heroes are defined by how they overcome adversity. Ahead of a series-swinging Game 5 in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan battled severe fever, stomach pains, and sickness to suit up, score 38 points, and lead the Bulls to victory in what would go on to be called the "Flu Game." The Black/Red Air Jordan 12s he wore that night took on the same nickname. In 2016, the "Flu Game" 12s received their first remastered retro release as a direct homage to Mike's heroic performance.

Flipping a classic can make noise in fashion just like it does in hip-hop. The Air Jordan 12 "Reverse Flu Game" finds Jordan Brand digging in the crates, dusting off an old favorite and amplifying its frequency for a modern audience. On this contrary colorway, the classic black/red blocking is reversed with red suede styling and a pebbled black mudguard, sounding off for an ever lusher look.