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Maybe it was timing. Perhaps it was red sneaker overload. Whatever the reason, back in December 2020 when the world was trying to have a Merry Christmas despite a global pandemic, Jordan Brand dropped the Air Jordan 12 "Reverse Flu Game," and the sneaker didn't do as well as I expected.

The original Flu Game is one of the most iconic versions of the 12th silhouette, but not as many people were looking to reverse it. That said, these sneakers are going for very reasonable prices for most sizes. Let's talk sneakers.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail Info

Sneaker

Air Jordan 12 Retro 'Reverse Flu Game'

Style Code

CT8013-602

Colorway

Varsity Red/Black

Original Retail Price

$190

Release Date

December 26, 2020

Designer

Tinker Hatfield

Where Can You Buy the Air Jordan 12 'Reverse Flu Game'?

StockX is the first place you should check. While my size 14s are going for an unholy $867, most sizes are at or below retail. The lowest ask sits at $155 on StockX with a last sale of $140 and a 12-month range of $121 to $464.

The Air Jordan 12 'Stone Blue' is another below-retail AJ12 from the same pandemic era if you want to double up on hidden value.

What Makes This a Flu Game?

The Reverse flips the OG Flu Game's black/red palette. MJ scored 38 points while battling flu-like symptoms in Game 5 of the 1997 Finals against the Utah Jazz. That moment made the black and red AJ12 one of the most legendary sneakers in history.

The Reverse takes that iconic blocking and inverts it. Varsity Red suede dominates the upper while black faux reptile covers the overlays. The Air Jordan 12 'Bloodline' is another red-toned AJ12 on the 2026 calendar.

Why Didn't This Shoe Hit Harder?

Perhaps it was the pandemic and maybe reverse colorways are hit and miss. Who knows? The Reverse Flu Game dropped the day after Christmas 2020 when the world was still navigating lockdowns and limited social gatherings.

Red-dominant sneakers are polarizing. The OG Flu Game works because black is dominant and red accents. Flipping that formula makes the shoe harder to style for most people. The Air Jordan 13 'Playoffs' is another below-retail pandemic-adjacent gem sitting in the same price territory.

Should You Buy the Air Jordan 12 'Reverse Flu Game'?

If you don't wear a size 14 and you like it, I think it's a great buy for the price. No retro or restock is scheduled, so resale is the only path. At $140-$155 for most sizes, this is one of the best value AJ12s on the market.

The Air Jordan 13 'Atmosphere Gray' is another pandemic-era resale pickup with premium materials if you're building a rotation of underappreciated gems.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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