So I’ve been eyeballing the Jordan 12 “Flu Game” for months, right? Kept seeing em on feet at pickup games, and man they caught my eye. But dropping cash on sneakers? Had to think hard. Finally decided screw it, let’s cop a pair and really test these bad boys.
The Hunt Phase
First thing, hit up my local sneaker spots downtown last Tuesday. Struck out at three places – either sold out or only had toddler sizes. Was ready to flip tables. Then remembered Jimmy’s shop in the old plaza, that dusty spot behind the laundromat? Took the bus there Thursday morning. Bingo! Last pair sitting on the shelf, size 11 perfect. Box looked like it survived a war but whatever. Paid cash, no receipt cause Jimmy’s old school like that.
Breaking Them In
Wore em straight out the store. Walked six blocks to the court near the train tracks – figured I’d test both comfort and grip. First impression? Felt like walking on marshmallows, no lie. That zoom air unit ain’t marketing hype. Played 2v2 for an hour, making sharp cuts and jumps. Not one slip, even when some dude spilled his Gatorade near the baseline. Wiped it off easy too, that black leather didn’t stain.
Took em on my weekend errand marathon next: grocery run, dog park, even mowed the lawn Sunday. By Monday, had some creases but the red accents still popped hard. Checked the soles – barely any wear on that carbon fiber plate.
Why They Earned Their Keep
After beating them up proper, here’s why these joints stay in rotation:
- Survivor soles: That ice pattern tread? Still gripping after asphalt, grass and court grime. My Kyries got bald spots faster.
- Pain-free wear: Wore em eight hours straight Tuesday. Zero foot aches. Can’t say that about my Adidas boost pair.
- Battle armor leather: Scraped against a bike rack – just wiped off the scratch. Black color hides everything.
- Flex magnets: Got compliments from my barber, the mail lady, even Karen from accounting. Never happened with other kicks.
- Legit storytelling: Telling friends about MJ’s flu game while wearing these? Felt like a sneaker history professor. Cool factor maxed out.
Final Verdict
Would I buy again? Absolutely. Saw Jimmy restocked today and almost got backup pairs. But my wallet screamed hell no. These replaced three other sneakers in my closet – that’s how versatile they are. From ball games to first dates, Flu Game 12s deliver. Just break em in proper like I did.
