Released: 1988
The Air Jordan 3 debuted in 1988 and was a game-changer in every sense. Designed by Tinker Hatfield — his first Jordan model — the AJ3 kept MJ with Nike at a pivotal time when he was considering leaving. Tinker won him over by blending performance, innovation, and style: introducing visible Air cushioning, a mid-cut design, and the iconic elephant print.
This was also the first Jordan to feature the now-legendary Jumpman logo, making it the start of the true Jordan Brand identity. Michael wore the AJ3 during the 1987–88 season, when he won NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and his second Slam Dunk Contest — where he took off from the free-throw line wearing the White Cement 3s.
Design Elements
- First Jordan to feature visible Air unit
- Iconic elephant print on toe and heel overlays
- Introduction of the Jumpman logo on the tongue
- Tumbled leather upper and mid-cut silhouette for better mobility
- Designed by Tinker Hatfield, marking a new creative era
Key Moments
- 1988 Slam Dunk Contest: MJ wins wearing White Cement 3s, cements the shoe in history
- 1987–88 NBA season: Jordan wins MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, All-Star MVP, and scoring title
- MJ’s signature “free-throw line dunk” becomes an immortal sneaker and sports moment
Cultural Impact
The AJ3 is often credited with saving the Jordan line. It merged style and performance so seamlessly that it appealed to hoopers and streetwear heads alike. Its elephant print and visible Air unit gave it personality, while the Jumpman symbol started an iconography that still dominates today.
Over the decades, the AJ3 has been retroed in legendary colorways like Black Cement, White Cement, Fire Red, and True Blue — each release stirs hype and nostalgia. Collaborations with artists like DJ Khaled, Justin Timberlake, and J Balvin continue to prove that the 3s aren’t just legendary — they’re timeless.