Next year marks the 30th anniversary of a transcending shoe. While it was rumored that Michael Jordan wasn’t a big fan of his first two signature shoes, Nike needed to deliver something worthy for the NBA’s next superstar-in-the-making. A young designer by the name of Tinker Hatfield, who had designed the iconic Air Max 1 a year prior, was tasked with the job to design a shoe that fit the specifications and aesthetics that suited a young Jordan. With Jordan pressured to leave by the last two Air Jordan designers (Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore, respectively), it was up to Hatfield to play closer and save the day. That he did.
With the Air Jordan 3, MJ and Tinker traded ideas and put them together. They both decided to make them a Mid top, the first mid top to be seen in the Air Jordan line. On the AJ III model, Tinker placed the famous Jumpman logo on the back of the shoe, and adding in a “elephant print” on the toe box. Also the IIIs were the first AJ to have a visible air-sole unit. It became an instant classic, with Jordan wearing them in his iconic free-throw line dunk. Following its original debut, the classic “Black Cement” Air Jordan 3 went on to re-release in 1994, 2001, 2008 and last seen in 2011. To this day, the “Black Cement” 3s are one of the most beloved Air Jordan model of all-time. We’re here to announce that they will be releasing to the public once more in 2018 AND with the famous ‘Nike Air’ branding.
The reissue of the Air Jordan 3 will come dressed in its original Black, Cement Grey, White and Fire Red color scheme. They’ll come complete with classic Nike Air branding at the heel and outsole, along with Fire Red tongue lining, a signature seen on the colorway to complete the legendary look for the “Black Cement” 3s. They’re pegged to be released as early as All-Star Weekend in February 2018, with the suggested retail price to be $200 instead of the usual $220 price tag that comes with Nike Air-branded Air Jordans.
There is no question that this is an ABSOLUTE must buy for an Air Jordan aficionados and for those who would like to own a piece of history (albeit remade history). The question is how many pairs are you buying?
Stay tuned to more Jordan Rack news and updates, as we will be having these anticipated kicks in stock closer to the release date.
(Photos courtesy of KicksOnFire and SneakerBar Detroit)