Air Jordan 3

What Makes the Air Jordan 3 a True Masterpiece

The Air Jordan 3 is arguably the most important sneaker in Air Jordan history. When Tinker Hatfield took over design duties from Peter Moore in 1988, Michael Jordan was ready to leave Nike for Adidas. Hatfield's revolutionary design – featuring a visible Air unit in the heel (a first), the iconic elephant print on the toe and heel, and the new Jumpman logo – convinced Jordan to stay. The shoe saved the entire Air Jordan line. The elephant print became an instant classic, and the visible Air unit showed the world Nike's cushioning technology. The leather upper is supple, the collar is padded for comfort, and the shape is perfectly balanced. Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 3 during his first MVP season and won his second consecutive Slam Dunk Contest. For another Tinker Hatfield masterpiece, explore Air Jordan 4.

Most Iconic Air Jordan 3 Colorways

"Black Cement" (black, grey, red, and white) is the most legendary Air Jordan 3 colorway – featuring the iconic elephant print on a black base with grey and red accents. "White Cement" (white, grey, red, and black) – the clean, classic OG that's beloved by collectors. "Fire Red" (white, red, and black) – a fresh, sporty look with more vibrant red. "True Blue" (white, blue, and black) – featuring blue elephant print instead of grey, this OG colorway is extremely popular. "Cool Grey" (grey and white) – a modern classic. Each retro release of these colorways creates massive hype. For men's sizing, check out Men's Air Jordan 3.

How to Preserve Elephant Print and Visible Air

The elephant print is a type of embossed leather that can crack over time if not cared for. Use a leather conditioner every few months to keep the material flexible. The visible Air unit in the heel should be wiped with a damp cloth – avoid sharp objects that could puncture it. The painted midsole can chip – touch up with Angelus paint if needed. Store your Air Jordan 3s in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can yellow the Air unit and fade colors. Use shoe trees to maintain shape. For women's sizing of this iconic model, visit Women's Air Jordan 3.