In the world of basketball, Michael Jordan remains one of the most celebrated athletes of all time. He is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player ever to step on a court. From his incredible skills to his iconic fashion choices, Jordan has left an indelible mark on the game and pop culture. One of the most fascinating aspects of his legacy is the shoes he wore during his career. In particular, fans and sneakerheads alike have been curious to know what shoes Jordan wore in the pivotal year of 1997.
1997 marked a significant year for Jordan, as he led the Chicago Bulls to their fifth NBA championship. During this season, Jordan wore several different shoe models, including the Air Jordan XII and the Air Jordan XIII. These shoes were not only stylish but also provided exceptional performance on the court. Understanding the shoes Jordan wore during this historic year can provide insight into his mindset and approach to the game. Join us as we take a deep dive into the shoes Michael Jordan wore in 1997 and explore the impact they had on basketball and sneaker culture.
Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 13 during the 1997-1998 NBA season. This iconic shoe was designed by Tinker Hatfield and inspired by Jordan’s nickname, “Black Cat.” The shoe features a holographic “panther eye” on the ankle, a carbon fiber plate in the midsole for support, and a full-grain leather upper for durability. The Air Jordan 13 was released in multiple colorways and is still a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts.
What Shoes Did Jordan Wear in 1997? A Look Back at the Iconic Sneakers of the Year
1. Air Jordan XII “Flu Game”
When it comes to the most iconic shoes Michael Jordan wore in 1997, the Air Jordan XII “Flu Game” is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Jordan famously wore these sneakers during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz while battling a severe case of the flu. The black and red colorway with hits of white on the sole and Jumpman logo make for a classic look that is still highly sought after by collectors today.
The Air Jordan XII “Flu Game” features a full-grain leather upper with lizard-inspired embossing, a carbon fiber shank plate for added support, and a full-length Air-Sole unit for cushioning. The sneakers also feature a unique asymmetrical lacing system and a “TWO3” script on the tongue, highlighting Jordan’s jersey number.
Benefits:
- Full-grain leather upper provides durability and a premium feel
- Carbon fiber shank plate offers added support and stability
- Full-length Air-Sole unit delivers responsive cushioning
- Unique asymmetrical lacing system ensures a secure fit
- Classic design is a must-have for sneaker collectors and Jordan fans
vs.
| Air Jordan XII “Flu Game” | Other Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Iconic design | Less recognizable |
| Highly sought after by collectors | Less collectible |
| Full-grain leather upper | Lower quality materials |
| Carbon fiber shank plate for added support | No additional support features |
| Full-length Air-Sole unit for cushioning | Less cushioning |
2. Air Jordan XIII “Bred”
Another iconic sneaker from 1997, the Air Jordan XIII “Bred” features a sleek black and red colorway with hits of white on the sole and Jumpman logo. Jordan wore these sneakers during the regular season and playoffs, helping lead the Chicago Bulls to their fifth NBA championship.
The Air Jordan XIII “Bred” features a unique holographic “cat eye” on the heel, a black leather upper with suede overlays, and a Phylon midsole with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added cushioning. The sneakers also feature a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern for traction on the court.
Benefits:
- Unique holographic “cat eye” adds a touch of flair to the design
- Black leather upper with suede overlays provides durability and style
- Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit offers responsive cushioning
- Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern ensures traction on the court
- Classic design is a must-have for sneaker collectors and Jordan fans
vs.
| Air Jordan XIII “Bred” | Other Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Unique holographic “cat eye” on heel | No similar design feature |
| Black leather upper with suede overlays | Less durable materials |
| Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit for cushioning | Less cushioning |
| Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for traction | Less traction on court |
3. Air Jordan XIII Low “Chutney”
The Air Jordan XIII Low “Chutney” is a lesser-known sneaker from 1997, but still a favorite among collectors and Jordan fans. The sneakers feature a unique “chutney” colorway with black and gold accents, as well as a suede and leather upper.
The Air Jordan XIII Low “Chutney” also features a Phylon midsole with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added cushioning, as well as a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern for traction on the court. The low-cut design makes these sneakers a great option for casual wear as well as basketball.
Benefits:
- Unique “chutney” colorway with black and gold accents
- Suede and leather upper provides durability and style
- Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit offers responsive cushioning
- Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern ensures traction on the court
- Low-cut design is versatile for casual wear and basketball
vs.
| Air Jordan XIII Low “Chutney” | Other Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Unique “chutney” colorway with black and gold accents | Less unique color options |
| Suede and leather upper | Less durable materials |
| Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit for cushioning | Less cushioning |
| Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for traction | Less traction on court |
4. Air Jordan XIII Low “Navy”
The Air Jordan XIII Low “Navy” is another underrated sneaker from 1997. The sneakers feature a navy blue and white colorway with hits of Carolina blue on the Jumpman logo and sole. The suede and leather upper also adds a touch of luxury to the design.
The Air Jordan XIII Low “Navy” also features a Phylon midsole with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added cushioning, as well as a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern for traction on the court. The low-cut design makes these sneakers a great option for casual wear as well as basketball.
Benefits:
- Navy blue and white colorway with Carolina blue accents
- Suede and leather upper provides durability and luxury
- Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit offers responsive cushioning
- Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern ensures traction on the court
- Low-cut design is versatile for casual wear and basketball
vs.
| Air Jordan XIII Low “Navy” | Other Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Navy blue and white colorway with Carolina blue accents | Less unique color options |
| Suede and leather upper | Less durable materials |
| Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit for cushioning | Less cushioning |
| Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for traction | Less traction on court |
5. Air Jordan XIII Low “Cherry”
The Air Jordan XIII Low “Cherry” is a clean and classic sneaker from 1997. The sneakers feature a white and red colorway with hits of silver on the Jumpman logo and sole. The leather and mesh upper also adds a sporty touch to the design.
The Air Jordan XIII Low “Cherry” also features a Phylon midsole with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added cushioning, as well as a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern for traction on the court. The low-cut design makes these sneakers a great option for casual wear as well as basketball.
Benefits:
- Classic white and red colorway with silver accents
- Leather and mesh upper provides durability and sporty style
- Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit offers responsive cushioning
- Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern ensures traction on the court
- Low-cut design is versatile for casual wear and basketball
vs.
| Air Jordan XIII Low “Cherry” | Other Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Classic white and red colorway with silver accents | Less unique color options |
| Leather and mesh upper | Less durable materials |
| Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit for cushioning | Less cushioning |
| Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for traction | Less traction on court |
6. Air Jordan XIII Low “Varsity Maize”
The Air Jordan XIII Low “Varsity Maize” is a bold and bright sneaker from 1997. The sneakers feature a black and varsity maize colorway with hits of white on the Jumpman logo and sole. The leather and mesh upper also adds a sporty touch to the design.
The Air Jordan XIII Low “Varsity Maize” also features a Phylon midsole with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added cushioning, as well as a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern for traction on the court. The low-cut design makes these sneakers a great option for casual wear as well as basketball.
Benefits:
- Bold and bright black and varsity maize colorway with white accents
- Leather and mesh upper provides durability and sporty style
- Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit offers responsive cushioning
- Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern ensures traction on the court
- Low-cut design is versatile for casual wear and basketball
vs.
| Air Jordan XIII Low “Varsity Maize” | Other Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Bold and bright black and varsity maize colorway with white accents | Less unique color options |
| Leather and mesh upper | Less durable materials |
| Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit for cushioning | Less cushioning |
| Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for traction | Less traction on court |
7. Air Jordan XIII “Playoffs”
The Air Jordan XIII “Playoffs” is a sleek and stylish sneaker from 1997. The sneakers feature a black and white colorway with hits of red on the Jumpman logo and sole. The leather and suede upper adds a premium touch to the design.
The Air Jordan XIII “Playoffs” also features a Phylon midsole with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added cushioning, as well as a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern for traction on the court. The high-cut design provides additional support for the ankle.
Benefits:
- Sleek and stylish black and white colorway with red accents
- Leather and suede upper provides durability and luxury
- Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit offers responsive cushioning
- Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern ensures traction on the court
- High-cut design provides additional support for the ankle
vs.
| Air Jordan XIII “Playoffs” | Other Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Sleek and stylish black and white colorway with red accents | Less unique color options |
| Leather and suede upper | Less durable materials |
| Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit for cushioning | Less cushioning |
| Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for traction | Less traction on court |
8. Air Jordan XIII “He Got Game”
The Air Jordan XIII “He Got Game” is a classic sneaker from 1997, made famous by its appearance in the movie of the same name starring Denzel Washington and Ray Allen. The sneakers feature a white and black colorway with hits of red on the Jumpman logo and sole.
The Air Jordan XIII “He Got Game” also features a leather and suede upper for durability and style, as well as a Phylon midsole with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added cushioning. The high-cut design provides additional support for the ankle.
Benefits:
- Classic white and black colorway with red accents
- Leather and suede upper provides durability and style
- Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit offers responsive cushioning
- High-cut design provides additional support for the ankle
- Iconic design made famous by appearance in a movie
vs.
| Air Jordan XIII “He Got Game” | Other Sneakers |
|---|---|
| Classic white and black colorway with red accents | Less unique color options |
| Leather and suede upper | Less durable materials |
| Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit for cushioning | Less cushioning |
| High-cut design provides additional support for the ankle | Less support for the ankle |
Freequently Asked Questions
What shoes did Michael Jordan wear in 1997?
In 1997, Michael Jordan famously wore the Air Jordan XII during the NBA Finals. The sneaker was designed by Tinker Hatfield and released the same year. The Air Jordan XII was unique because of its use of carbon fiber and Zoom Air technology, which made it more lightweight and comfortable than previous Jordan models.
The Air Jordan XII was released in a few different colorways, including the iconic black and red “Flu Game” version that Jordan wore during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. The sneaker has since become a classic and is highly sought after by sneaker collectors and Jordan fans alike.
What was special about the Air Jordan XII?
The Air Jordan XII was a breakthrough sneaker for the Jordan brand. It was the first Air Jordan sneaker to use Zoom Air technology, which provided extra cushioning for the wearer. The sneaker also featured a carbon fiber shank plate, which made it more lightweight and durable than previous Jordan models.
Another unique feature of the Air Jordan XII was its design. The sneaker was inspired by the Japanese flag and featured a stitched upper that resembled a rising sun. The sneaker also had a unique asymmetrical lacing system that provided a more secure fit for the wearer.
Was the Air Jordan XII popular when it was released?
Yes, the Air Jordan XII was a highly anticipated release when it first came out in 1997. The sneaker was released in a few different colorways, including the “Taxi” and “Playoffs” versions, which were both very popular. The sneaker was also worn by Michael Jordan during the NBA Finals, which helped to boost its popularity even further.
Today, the Air Jordan XII is considered a classic sneaker and is highly sought after by sneakerheads and Jordan fans. The sneaker has been retroed several times since its original release and remains a popular choice for casual wear and basketball players alike.
What other sneakers did Michael Jordan wear in 1997?
While the Air Jordan XII was the most famous sneaker that Michael Jordan wore in 1997, he also wore a few other models during the season. Jordan wore the Air Jordan XIII for a few games during the regular season before switching back to the Air Jordan XII. He also wore the Air Jordan VIII during the All-Star Game that year.
However, it was the Air Jordan XII that Jordan wore during the NBA Finals that became the most iconic sneaker of the season. The sneaker has since become a classic and is considered one of the best Air Jordan models of all time.
Are the Air Jordan XII still available for purchase?
While the original Air Jordan XII is no longer available for purchase, the sneaker has been retroed several times over the years. The most recent retro release was in 2016, when the “Flu Game” version was re-released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Jordan’s iconic performance in the NBA Finals.
The Air Jordan XII is still a popular sneaker today and can be found on the resale market or through retailers that still have older stock. The sneaker remains a classic and is a must-have for any serious sneaker collector or Jordan fan.
The Story Behind All 6 of Michael Jordan’s ICONIC Championship Sneakers
As a professional writer, it is fascinating to delve into the world of sneaker culture and examine the historical significance of certain shoes. The year 1997 was a pivotal moment for basketball icon Michael Jordan and his footwear line. During this time, Jordan wore the Air Jordan 12, a sleek and stylish shoe that became a fan favorite.
The Air Jordan 12 was not only a fashion statement but also a performance powerhouse. Its unique design and advanced technology allowed Jordan to showcase his incredible athleticism and dominate on the court. Even today, the Air Jordan 12 remains a beloved shoe among sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans alike. The impact that this shoe had on sports and fashion culture is undeniable, and it will forever be associated with the legendary Michael Jordan.
