Releasing online and in-store on Saturday 23rd November at thegoodlife.
November 18, 2024
Few sneakers are as revered as the Air Jordan 3 Black Cement, a design that’s as legendary today as it was when it first debuted in 1988. This iconic silhouette, masterminded by Tinker Hatfield, redefined sneaker culture with its bold style, innovative features, and deep connection to Michael Jordan’s illustrious career.
This year, the return of the Black Cement 3 is even more special. Staying true to its original roots, the 2024 release features the coveted Nike Air logo on the heel—an essential detail for purists and collectors alike.
Michael Jordan's Leap of Faith
As Michael Jordan’s initial Nike contract neared its end, his dissatisfaction with the brand became clear. Despite the Air Jordan 1’s success, Jordan favored Adidas and was being courted by former Nike executives Peter Moore and Rob Strasser, who were launching Van Grack.
Frustration with the Air Jordan 2 compounded the tension. Marketed as luxurious, its stiff leather and bulky midsole fell short of his expectations, far from the success of the Air Jordan 1.
To retain their superstar, Nike enlisted Tinker Hatfield to design the Air Jordan 3 under intense time pressure. Hatfield, new to the Air Jordan line, had a chance to make his mark. Meanwhile, Jordan’s ties to Moore and Strasser were evident—they reportedly spent hours golfing the same day Hatfield was set to present his design. Jordan arrived three hours late to the meeting and it seems as though a future with Nike was unlikely.
But, Hatfield’s design changed everything. The Air Jordan 3, with its elephant print, tumbled leather, and visible Air cushioning, impressed Jordan and secured his commitment to Nike, saving the Air Jordan line and cementing Nike’s status as a sportswear leader.
This moment in sneaker culture highlights how one design transformed Nike’s trajectory.
The Air Jordan 3 OG Colourways
Air Jordan 3 Black Cement
The 'Black/Cement' Air Jordan 3 is often hailed as the pinnacle of sneaker design—the greatest colourway of what many consider the greatest sneaker of all time. Originally debuting in 1988, this legendary pair made its mark on basketball history when Michael Jordan laced them up during the All-Star Game in front of an electrified home crowd. MJ delivered a jaw-dropping 40-point performance, earning MVP honours and cementing the shoe's iconic status.
Since its first appearance, the 'Black/Cement' has been reintroduced five times—each release reigniting its legendary appeal. The sneaker received the retro treatment in 1994, 2001, 2008, 2011, and 2018, with every iteration reinforcing its place in sneaker lore. Whether on the court or in the streets, the 'Black/Cement' Air Jordan 3 remains an undisputed classic.
Air Jordan 3 White Cement
While the 'Black/Cement' colourway of the Air Jordan 3 often claims the title of GOAT, it’s the White/Cement version that Michael Jordan actually wore on the court. Though MJ famously donned the black pair during the 1988 All-Star Game in Chicago, he never laced them up for an official NBA game. Instead, the White/Cement AJ3 was his go-to during some of his most memorable moments.
First worn by Jordan in 1987 and officially released in 1988, these were the shoes on his feet during the legendary Slam Dunk Contest where he soared from the free-throw line, cementing his status as a basketball icon. Since its debut, the White/Cement AJ3 has been re-released five times—in 1994, 2003, 2011, 2013, and 2018—each drop solidifying its status as a must-have piece of sneaker history. Jordan 3 White Cement remains an undisputed classic.
Air Jordan 3 Fire Red
The 'Fire Red' Air Jordan 3 might not get the same spotlight as its OG counterparts, but it remains a standout in its own right. Often considered the most underrated of the original 1988 AJ3 colourways, the 'Fire Red' delivers a bold twist on Tinker Hatfield’s classic design.
Debuted by Michael Jordan during the 1988 NBA Playoffs, the 'Fire Red' AJ3 features blacked-out elephant print panels, a departure from the more traditional grey, while incorporating vibrant red accents inspired by the Chicago Bulls. Despite its unique appeal, this colourway has only seen two retro drops in its 31 years—once in 2007 and again in 2013—making it a rare gem in the Air Jordan lineage
Air Jordan 3 True Blue
The 'True Blue' Air Jordan 3, the fourth and final OG colourway of the AJ3, holds a unique place in sneaker history. Like the iconic 'Black/Cement', this bold design was never worn by Michael Jordan during an official NBA game in its original form. Instead, MJ first sported the 'True Blue' during an exhibition game between the 1988 NBA All-Stars and the amateur Team USA squad. Years later, he famously laced up the 2001 retro version while playing for the Washington Wizards.
Named for its striking blue accents, the 'True Blue' AJ3 introduced a fresh twist to the OG formula, adding an extra 'Cement Grey' elephant-print panel to the eyestay for a distinctive look. This bold and unconventional design has cemented its status as a cult favourite among Jordan fans and sneaker collectors alike.
The Best of Air Jordan 3
Selecting the greatest Air Jordan 3 releases is a topic that often sparks lively debate among sneaker enthusiasts. However, several editions stand out for their unique designs, cultural significance, and the stories they tell. Here are some noteworthy Air Jordan 3 releases:
Air Jordan 3 'Doernbecher' (2010): Designed by 11-year-old cancer patient Cole Johanson as part of Nike's Doernbecher Freestyle program, this special edition features a Varsity Red upper with a diamond pattern spelling out 'COLE,' black accents, and red elephant print overlays. The insoles bear the words "COURAGE" and "STR3NGTH," reflecting Johanson's battle.
Air Jordan 3 'Seoul' (2018): Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Air Jordan 3 and the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, the 'Seoul' edition showcases a white leather upper with traditional Korean colors—blue and red—on the collar and eyelets. The Korean Taeguk symbol adorns the tongue, and "Seoul" is embroidered in Hangul on the inside of the tongue, paying homage to Korean culture.
Air Jordan 3 'Mocha' (2001): Departing from the traditional bold colorways, the 'Mocha' features a clean white leather upper with subtle Dark Mocha elephant print overlays and accents. Its minimalist design offers a versatile look, making it a favorite among those who appreciate understated elegance.
Air Jordan 3 'Do The Right Thing' (2007): Inspired by Spike Lee's 1989 film "Do The Right Thing," this edition features a Brisk Blue suede upper, Pro Gold accents, and Radiant Green stitching. The vibrant color scheme reflects the film's poster, and the sneaker pays tribute to the cultural impact of the movie and its connection to sneaker culture.
Air Jordan 3 'Black Flip' (2011): Reversing the traditional placement of materials, the 'Black Flip' features black elephant print covering the entire upper, with black leather accents on the toe box and collar. This unique design offers a fresh take on the classic silhouette, appealing to those who appreciate innovative twists on iconic models.
Air Jordan 3 'J Balvin' (2024): In collaboration with Colombian artist J Balvin, this edition infuses vibrant colors and unique materials into the classic Air Jordan 3 silhouette. The collaboration is highly anticipated for its blend of Balvin's artistic flair with the timeless design of the AJ3.
Air Jordan 3 'Katrina' (2018): Originally created in 2006 to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, the 'Katrina' features a white leather upper with Fire Red accents and traditional elephant print overlays. Its clean and classic design, coupled with its charitable origins, makes it a significant release in the Air Jordan lineage.
The Air Jordan 3 Black Cement is more than just a sneaker; it’s a piece of history brought back for the present. Its timeless design, rich backstory, and unmatched versatility make it a grail for sneakerheads worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to own one of the most iconic Jordans ever created.
Stay tuned to thegoodlife. for release updates and get ready to secure your pair before they’re gone.
