jordan brand became official as a nike subsidiary with the air jordan 12. the predominantly leather sneaker returned to the jordan 2's faux-lizard skin for its mudguard, completing a design appropriately inspired by the japanese flag's rising sun. michael jordan won his fifth title with the bulls in the jordan 12, making the black/red colorway legendary for his performance in game 5 of the nba finals, often referenced as the 'the flu game'.