The

Air Jordan XII

1996–1997

Air Jordan XII, designed by Tinker Hatfield, was introduced in the fall of 1996 and worn by [Michael Jordan during the opening of the 1996–97 NBA season. Early production examples reflect the model’s transition into full use following Jordan’s return, with consistent deployment across both home and road uniforms throughout the early portion of the season.

The Air Jordan XII marked a shift toward a more structured and durable construction, featuring stitched leather paneling and a reinforced outsole suited for continuous in-game use. Jordan wore the model extensively through the 1996–97 season, including during the postseason, with multiple pairs documented across regular season and playoff play.

Model Summary

Air Jordan XII

Audit in Progress

Total Documented Examples

Publicly Sold Examples

Privately Held Examples

Archive Updated April 8, 2026

Verification Summary

Method	Count	Public	Status
Photo Matched	2	2	⏳
Apparent Match	2	2	⏳
Coding Verified	1	1	⏳

Unlike jerseys, footwear is documented by model, use, and method of verification rather than population accounting.

Methodology & Identification

Footwear identification within the archive extends beyond direct visual comparison. Analysis incorporates model chronology, production coding, material behavior, and player-specific wear patterns observed across game imagery and surviving examples.

Particular attention is given to structural deformation during use, including creasing patterns, lace tension habits, and outsole or mid-sole stress responses resulting from Jordan’s movement and play style.

Final identification is determined through the convergence of these characteristics rather than any single matching detail.

Documented Examples

Known Air Jordan XII Record

The following entries represent documented Air Jordan XII examples associated with Michael Jordan across the early development, promotional, charitable, and competitive use phases of the model. Each record combines construction details, sale history, and archive research.

Air Jordan XII worn verse the Utah Jazz.

Archive ReferencePair A

Production Code330224 LN2

Size13 L / 13 R

Attributed to the historic Final Game 5, Flu Game.

Public Sale

Auction House: Goldin Auctions
Sale Date: June 14, 2023
Lot #: 1
Sale Price: $1,380,600

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By:MeiGray, SIA

Research & Provenance

Provenance comes from Preston Turner, former ballboy for the Utah Jazz. Michael Jordan signed them while Preston watched and as he was given the pair in the locker room, directly after the June 11 game.
They have been in Preston's possession since that night and until this sale.

Air Jordan XII attributed to March 3.

Archive ReferencePair B

Production Code330224 LN2

Size13 L / 13 R

Attributed to wear verse the New York Knicks.

Public Sale

Auction House: Goldin Auctions
Sale Date: february 07, 2013
Lot #: 876
Sale Price: $6,083

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: No
Games Photo-Matched: 0
Photo-Matched By:None

Research & Provenance

Provenance comes from Howard Eskin, former 76ers announcer, who received the pair in the locker room after the road game.
Independent archive research documents consistency between the pair and game imagery.

Air Jordan XII attributed to a January 21.

Archive ReferencePair C

Production Code330224 LN2

Size13 L / 13 R

Attributed to 51 points verse the New York Knicks.

Public Sale

Auction House: Heritage Auctions
Sale Date: February 21, 2015
Lot #: 80084
Sale Price: $20,315

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Apparent
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

Provenance comes from Walter McCarty, former Knicks player, who received the pair in the locker room after the the game.
Independent archive research documents consistency between the pair and game imagery.

Air Jordan XII - Worn in 1997.

Archive ReferencePair D

Production Code330224 LN2

Size13 L / 13 R

Worn during a 32 point performance verse Houston.

Public Sale

Auction House: Goldin Auctions
Sale Date: LIVE
Lot #: 2
Sale Price: $$$$$

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: SIA

Research & Provenance

LOA from SIA and Beckett.

Air Jordan XII worn verse the Washington Bullets.

Archive ReferencePair E

Production Code330224 LN2

Size13 L / 13 R

Attributed to round 1 of the playoffs.

Public Sale

Auction House: Sotheby's
Sale Date: December 12, 2025
Lot #: 1
Sale Price: UNSOLD

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By:MeiGray, MJA

Research & Provenance

The pair comes with a MeiGray Authentication letter and a letter from Michael Jordan.

Air Jordan XII - Worn in 1997.

Archive ReferencePair F

Production Code330224 LN2

Size13 L / 13 R

Worn during a 35 point, 9 rebounds and 6 assists verse Sacramento.

Public Sale

Auction House: Sotheby's
Sale Date: September 30, 2025
Lot #: 10
Sale Price: $40,640

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: Yes
Games Photo-Matched: 1
Photo-Matched By: MJA

Research & Provenance

Letter of provenance from NBA referee crew chief Bennett Salvatore who was officiating the game that night.
Independent archive research has verified and photo-matched this pair to the game ob 2-28, this is privately held with the archive.

Air Jordan XII

Air Jordan XII

Known Air Jordan XII Record

1997 Air Jordan XII - Black | Red - "Flu Game"

Public Sale

Photo Match Details

1997 Air Jordan XII - White | True Red

Public Sale

Photo Match Details

1997 Air Jordan XII - White | Black

Public Sale

Photo Match Details

1997 Air Jordan XII - White | Black

Public Sale

Photo Match Details

1997 Air Jordan XII - Black | Red

Public Sale

Photo Match Details

1997 Air Jordan XII - White | Black

Public Sale

Photo Match Details