Air Jordan 12 & Jordan xii Fluff Black/Varsity Red

The panther-inspired Air Jordan 12 & Jordan xii Fluff Black/Varsity Red, featuring a cat eye hologram on the side, was worn during Michael Jordan's last run to the playoffs. Released in 1997, the Air Jordan XII became known for its supreme cushioning and breathability. Tinker Hatfield drew inspiration for the XII's from the sleek black panther because he thought that Jordan played defense like the stealthy panther. Jordan would read his player, and then strike. The shoe's outsole resembles the pads on a panther's paw. Also, the upper is pitted just like a panther's cheeks from its whiskers. The final queue from the panther is the hologram on the back of the shoe, which imitates a panther's eyes in the dark.