Jordan
Air Jordan 3 Retro
"Powder Blue"
£420
History of the Air Jordan 3
Iconic since Michael Jordan debuted the shoe at the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, the Air Jordan 3 is the stuff of sneaker collector legend. The Jordan 3 is the first Air Jordan designed by legendary Nike footwear designer Tinker Hatfield, and the first Jordan sneaker to feature the line’s signature Jumpman branding and elephant print detailing. It's also the first shoe that paired Jordan with Spike Lee in a series of famous commercials touting Air Jordan products. In other words, the Air Jordan 3 has been one of the most essential Jordans over the last three-plus decades.
The Jordan 3 was released by Nike back in ‘88 in four classic colorways: the “White Cement,” “Black Cement,” “Fire Red,” and “True Blue.” Jordan wore the first three in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, and later rocked an alternate Player Exclusive version of the Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” while a member of the Washington Wizards. The “White Cement” is the style that Jordan had on in his epic performance in ‘88 Slam Dunk Contest, and the “Black Cement” was his sneaker of choice for that year’s All-Star Game. “His Airness” alternated between the “White Cement” and “Fire Red” Jordan 3s with the Bulls thereafter.
While Jordan made the Air Jordan 3 famous on the basketball court, Tinker Hatfield is responsible for creating the incredible sneaker in the lab. From a design standpoint, the Jordan 3 is a shoe of firsts in the Air Jordan collection. As mentioned before, the retro basketball sneaker is the first Jordan with Jumpman branding, the first with elephant patterning, and the first with a visible Air cushioning unit in the heel of its midsole. Moreover, the Jordan 3 was the first mid-top silhouette in the lineup, which was done purposely to help give Jordan more flexibility on the hardwood.
The Air Jordan 3 has appeared in memorable basketball moments, and in high-profile collaborations in more recent years. A Ma Maniére and Jordan Brand released the Women’s Jordan 3 “Raised by Women” in 2021, one of the very best Air Jordan colorways in its history. Other notable collaborations include Justin Timberlake’s “OG” inspired release, DJ Khaled’s “We the Best” collection, and even Tinker Hatfield’s Jordan 3 featuring a Swoosh on the sides.
Clearly, the Jordan 3 is as iconic as it gets in sneakers, and is something anyone, no matter where they are in their sneaker journey, can appreciate.
FAQ
When did the Air Jordan 3 first come out?
The Air Jordan 3 was originally released by Nike in 1988. It received its first-ever retro release in 1994, and then returned to the scene again in 2001 when the “True Blue” resurfaced for the first time since its original release.
How much do Air Jordan 3s cost?
The Air Jordan 3’s retail price varies depending on a few factors. It has a standard MSRP of $210 for adult sizes. Prices vary on the secondary market depending on model, sizing, colorway, collaboration, and other factors.