Air Jordan 3 Guide: Best Colorways Released

The Air Jordan 3, one of the most iconic sneakers in the world, has seen numerous iterations since its creation in 1988. This guide will look at the shoe's history and highlight the best colorways released, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of the Air Jordan 3 over the decades. This article will delve into the design elements that define the Air Jordan 3, explore the history of the shoe, and examine its role in Michael Jordan's journey.

THE MAKE-OR-BREAK DESIGN

The Air Jordan 3 was a significant departure from its predecessor, the Air Jordan 2. Designed by Peter Moore, the Air Jordan 2 was designed with a focus on bringing style and luxury to performance basketball shoes. After the underwhelming debut of the Air Jordan 2, Peter Moore left Nike, and Tinker Hatfield stepped in as the new designer for Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan 3 was a make-or-break for Nike and their relationship with Michael Jordan. After the Air Jordan 2 letdown, other footwear brands started reaching out to Jordan, and rumors began circulating that he would leave Nike for Adidas. 

Tasked with a pivotal make-or-break situation, Tinker Hatfield had a real challenge. Hatfield began his career as a showroom and outlet designer with Nike and shifted towards product design in 1985. After successful models like the Air Max 1 under his belt, he now stepped into a new world designing performance basketball shoes and was famously told, "Just do something with it" when tasked with the Air Jordan 3. After being given a working folder, Hatfield went to work. 

Following an introduction and design meeting with Jordan, Hatfield returned to Beaverton, where he worked on sketches and prototypes, drawing inspiration from the Air Revolution's midsole. Crafting the first mid-cut basketball silhouette and incorporating softer leather options, Hatfield presented Jordan with a design that prioritized comfort and style, featuring the first Jumpman logo and new elephant print textured paneling. The unveiling of the prototype during a pivotal meeting left Jordan impressed. A public release of four colorways followed in 1988, and the rest was history.

THE BEST AIR JORDAN 3 COLORWAYS

The Air Jordan 3 has witnessed a variety of colorways over the decades, each carrying its unique appeal and cultural impact. Among these, certain colorways have stood out and left a lasting impression on the sneaker industry.

THE ORIGINAL FOUR

AIR JORDAN 3 'WHITE CEMENT'

AIR JORDAN 3 'BLACK CEMENT'

AIR JORDAN 3 'FIRE RED'

AIR JORDAN 3 'TRUE BLUE'

THE BEST COLLABORATIONS

A MA MANIERE X AIR JORDAN 3

J BALVIN X AIR JORDAN 3

FRAGMENT DESIGN X AIR JORDAN 3

START OF A NEW ERA

With the Air Jordan 3, Jordan achieved many iconic moments. At the 1988 NBA All-Star Weekend, Michael Jordan displayed the brand-new Air Jordan 3. The most iconic moment in the Air Jordan 3 'White Cement' was the free-throw line dunk. In the 1988 Dunk Contest, Jordan soared from the free throw line for a perfect score of 50. With this victory, Jordan became the first person to win the dunk contest two years in a row. During that weekend's All-Star game, Jordan also won MVP honors with a remarkable stat line of 40 points in the shoe's 'Black Cement' colorway. 

Spike Lee's pivotal role in marketing the Air Jordan 3 marked a transformative moment in sneaker culture, shaping the trajectory of future releases. Collaborating with Nike and Michael Jordan, Lee's iconic character, Mars Blackmon, became the face of the marketing campaign, injecting a burst of creativity and cultural resonance. The famous "It's gotta be the shoes" catchphrase from the advertisements elevated the Air Jordan 3's visibility, transcended the realm of sports, and resonated with a broader audience. This groundbreaking collaboration established the Air Jordan line as a cultural phenomenon and set a precedent for the fusion of sports, entertainment, and sneaker culture in marketing. Spike Lee's impact on the debut of the Air Jordan 3 laid the foundation for the strategic integration of celebrity endorsements and storytelling in subsequent releases, cementing the brand's status as a symbol of style, individuality, and cultural influence.

WHERE TO BUY THE AIR JORDAN 3

Whether you're an avid sneaker enthusiast building your collection or a newcomer looking for your first pair, acquiring an authentic Air Jordan 3 can be challenging. In the broad selection of marketplaces, KICKS CREW stands out by exclusively collaborating with verified retailers and brands, guaranteeing authenticity with each purchase. Here, we present some of our top recommendations for your consideration. Here are some of our top picks.

BEST SELLERS

AIR JORDAN 3 'MIDNIGHT NAVY'

AIR JORDAN 3 'FEAR'

AIR JORDAN 3 'LUCKY GREEN'

AIR JORDAN 3 'COOL GREY'

The Air Jordan 3 has left an indelible mark on sneakers and sportswear. Its timeless design, combined with the influence of Michael Jordan's style and status, has led to many colorways that continue to captivate fans and collectors. Whether you're a fan of the Air Jordan 3 or appreciate great design, there is no doubt that the Jordan 3 will forever be cemented in history.