The Air Jordan 3 changed everything in 1988—Tinker Hatfield’s first Jordan design, introducing the Jumpman logo, visible Air, and iconic elephant print. Worn by MJ during his legendary Dunk Contest win and All-Star MVP performance, the AJ3 cemented Jordan Brand’s future. From OG staples like Black Cement, White Cement, Fire Red, and True Blue to lifestyle legends like Cool Grey and Mocha, coveted collabs with A Ma Maniére, and modern twists like UNC and Chlorophyll, the AJ3 blends heritage, innovation, and storytelling like no other—timeless, versatile, and always at the top of the conversation.

AJ 3 History

Air Jordan 3

Released:

The Air Jordan 3 hit the scene in 1988, marking a pivotal turning point for the franchise. It was Tinker Hatfield’s first Jordan design, debuting during Michael’s fourth NBA season – and it needed to be a hit (rumor has it Jordan was considering leaving Nike before seeing the III!). Fortunately, the AJ3’s release in 1988 was an instant success, coinciding perfectly with MJ’s meteoric rise to superstardom that year.

Design Elements:

The Jordan 3 introduced elements so iconic they’re now synonymous with the brand. It was the first Air Jordan to feature the Jumpman logo, with that famous silhouette appearing on the tongue and instantly becoming a symbol of greatness. Equally legendary is the elephant print trim on the toe and heel – a bold, never-before-seen touch that added a premium, textured flair. The AJ3 was a mid-cut (lower than the high-top AJ1 and AJ2), blending freedom of movement with support. It also debuted visible Air in the heel for cushioning, letting everyone see the tech inside. A padded ankle collar and a sturdy leather upper meant comfort and durability were top-notch. Hatfield’s design perfectly balanced performance and style: classy enough for MJ to wear to a photoshoot with a tux (famously seen in ads), yet rugged enough for the NBA court.

Key Moments:

The 1987–88 season saw Michael Jordan ascend, and the AJ3 was on his feet for all of it. In February ’88, MJ famously took off from the free-throw line in the Slam Dunk Contest, soaring in the White/Cement Air Jordan 3 – and clinching a perfect 50 dunk to win the contest. That same weekend, he donned the Black/Cement 3 in the All-Star Game, earning MVP honors. Michael also collected his first league MVP award and Defensive Player of the Year in ’88, dominating the season while wearing various AJ3 colorways. Each highlight – from posterizing dunks to buzzer-beaters – is immortalized with the AJ3 on-foot, including an iconic shot of MJ flying through the air with the “White Cement” IIIs. Off-court, Nike’s Mars Blackmon TV commercials (Spike Lee proclaiming “It’s gotta be the shoes!”) during this time featured the AJ3 and became instant pop-culture classics, tightly linking the sneaker to Jordan’s emergent legend. In short, the Jordan 3 was on center stage for some of MJ’s greatest early career moments, forever tying its legacy to his rise.

Cultural Impact:

If the AJ1 started sneaker culture, the AJ3 galvanized it. This was the shoe that saved the Nike x Jordan partnership and proved signature sneakers could have personality. Spike Lee’s involvement – from the Mars Blackmon ads to putting the White/Cement IIIs in his film Do The Right Thing (1989) – gave the AJ3 serious street cred and cinematic appeal. Sneakerheads fell in love with the elephant print and Jumpman, and those elements became staples in streetwear design beyond just shoes. The AJ3 also brought sneaker culture into mainstream conversation: people who weren’t even basketball fans wanted a pair, just for the style. By blending luxury (tumbled leather, bold design) with sport, the Jordan 3 paved the way for athletes to become fashion influencers. In the late ‘80s, you saw everyone from hip-hop artists to suburban kids rocking AJ3s – it was a unifier and a status symbol. Over the years, its cultural status has only grown, with retros causing camp-outs (the 2011 and 2018 “Black Cement” re-releases were major events). In sneakerhead circles, the AJ3 is often heralded as one of the greatest sneakers of all time for its design and impact on sneaker culture.

Legacy:

The Air Jordan 3’s legacy is cemented (pun intended) as a timeless classic. It’s a shoe that consistently gets retro treatment – and each drop still sells out, whether it’s the OG colorways or newer twists like the “Mocha” or “Fire Red” editions. Collaborations have further elevated its legend: Jordan Brand has teamed up with musicians and boutiques on AJ3 projects (for example, DJ Khaled’s luxe “We The Best” pack and Fragment’s limited edition). The signature elephant print pattern introduced by the 3 is now a Jordan Brand hallmark, even appearing on other models and apparel, underscoring how influential that one design choice was. Importantly, the AJ3 is remembered as the sneaker that kept Michael with Nike – a bit of lore that makes collectors cherish it even more. Every time you see the Jumpman logo today, you can thank the AJ3 for its debut. Decades later, whether on display in a sneaker collection or paired with jeans for a night out, the Jordan 3 exudes an undeniable cool. Its blend of on-court heritage and street style appeal has set a standard for what a signature sneaker can be – a true icon that remains as fresh in 2025 as it was in 1988.