Kids' Jordan Retro 12

That’s not to say the shoe, which rereleased as the Jordan Retro 12 in 2003, was all work without room for some class.

International flair

Designer Tinker Hatfield, working on his 10^th consecutive Air Jordan, drew inspiration from the traditional Japanese flag, the Nisshoki, or the “rising sun.”

That accounts for the stitched lines that radiate from the midfoot point of the midsole. Hatfield continued use of a carbon fiber shank plate under the midfoot, adding an element of hidden strength. But steel lace tips contribute a finishing touch on a premium look that’s plenty tough.

Something in the Air

The Retro 12 represents one of the gutsiest performances in the history of pro hoops, the Flu Game. It was game 5 of the finals against Utah on Wednesday, June 11, 1997. While Chicago was getting ready to take the court, Michael Jordan was getting ready to take fluids. He lay on a table in the training room with flu symptoms, exhausted with a fever clearing 103 degrees.

But this was finals. The series was tied at 2. And this was Michael Jordan. So “sitting one out” was simply not an option.

He pulled himself up, laced up his Air Jordan XIIs, and willed himself to 38 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the 90-88 win. It drained him so much that teammate Scottie Pippen helped him stagger off the court, in one of the game’s more enduring images.

The Flu Game was just one of many chapters in the story of Michael Jordan. And each one can be experienced through a Jordan Retro representing the milestones in his career.

The Jordan Retro 1 represents the shoe that started it all, and it would be the last one to prominently feature the Nike Swoosh. Nike branding still appeared outwardly through the 6, but the Retro 12 is the first shoe to be completely Swoosh-free, as the Nike logo had appeared on the insole for models 7-11.

The Retro 3 recalls the shoe that’s credited with keeping Jordan with the company. After the designers of his first two installments left the company, it was vital that Nike get this one right. Enter Tinker Hatfield, a company architect who would design the first of 13 consecutive Air Jordan models. Hatfield’s innovative vision introduced elephant print to the sneaker world.

For the Retro 13, Hatfield drew from MJ’s spirit animal, the black panther, which channeled the stealth, quickness, and strength he displayed on the court. The outsole resembled a cat paw, while the dimpled leather upper added an element of elegance.

Whichever Jordan Retro you choose, there’s apparel to help you complete the look. Choose from short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, hoodies, fleece pants, and more. Go with bold, allover color, or more subtle hits that hook to the Jordan Retros — either one will help boys and girls of all ages tell their own story.