Goat Highlights Air Jordan 3 "Racer Blue" Release by Rounding up the Best Air Jordan 3s
Thanks to a buzzer-beater from Tinker Hatfield, the AJ3 was an instant classic.
The Air Jordan 3 first arrived in 1988, thanks to Tinker Hatfield. Hatfield, the mastermind behind several Air Jordan silhouettes, faced immense pressure in designing the iconic sneaker. At the time, Nike was in a fragile state, having lost designer Peter Moore, and marketing VP Rob Strausser. Despite production on the Air Jordan 3s being six months behind schedule, the creation of the silhouette would end up being the perfect middle ground for sneakerheads who loved both high-top and low-top shoes. Everything about the conception of these kicks was intentional, partly because Michael Jordan played such an active role in it. When asked what his ideal sneaker would be by Hatfield, Jordan wanted a mid-cut height, unlike the Air Jordan 1’s, that was chic while also being comfortable. Hatfield indeed delivered, with a special twist that featured the famous Jumpman logo from Jordan’s 1984 dunk, on the tongue of the sneaker. During the year of the Air Jordan 3’s release, the silhouette arrived in several colorways including “White Cement,” “Black Cement,” “Fire Red,” and “True Blue,” with the former two having remained the most popular of the bunch.
As the years passed, new colors and patterns were introduced into the classic Air Jordan 3 line. And the latest iteration of the shoe, the Air Jordan 3 “Racer Blue” releases today, available for purchase on GOAT’s website and app right now. As the wait for the next retro pair in the Jordan line ensues, GOAT is taking a look back at some of the best Air Jordan 3s of all-time.
Air Jordan 3 Retro “Racer Blue”
Release Date: July 10, 2021
Retail Price: $190 USD
The Air Jordan 3 Retro “Racer Blue” continues the tradition of the previous “Fire Red” iteration of the sneaker from 1988 with similar color blocking. The vibrant, royal blue detailing on the sneaker stands out against the white tumbled leather on the upper part of the shoes. Royal blue are present around the eyelets, collar, and polyurethane midsole, as well as on the legendary Jumpman symbol on the tongue and heel.
Air Jordan 3 Retro “UNC”
Release Date: March 7, 2020
Lowest Price: $310 USD
Many know the arrival of the Air Jordan 3 Retro “UNC” in March 2020 pays homage to Michael Jordan’s alma mater. With a colorway inspired by the university, the sneaker has a dual textured leather upper and eye stays with hints of the classic Valor Blue on both Jumpman logos on the tongue and the heel. The shoes feature elephant print throughout to tie it all together.
Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “True Blue” 2016
Release Date: November 25, 2016
Lowest Price: $210 USD
The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “True Blue” was one of the four original colorways when it was released in 1988. Since then, the design has seen various versions with the most recent one in 2016. This iteration of the sneaker carries the same branding and logo details as the 1988 version of the shoe. Previous designs of the sneaker were released in 2001, 2009 (EU only) and 2011 to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the shoe.
Air Jordan 3 Retro “Cool Grey” 2021
Release Date: February 20, 2021
Lowest Price: $194 USD
Fitting for those who love neutrals, the Air Jordan 3 Retro “Cool Grey” basks in its grey leather design with elephant print. The shoe is a retro of its 2007 colorway, with the subtle hints of orange and Sport Red on its molded eyelets and tongue. This time around, the Jumpman symbol was embroidered on the sneaker’s tongue and the famous “AIR” branding is on the back of the heel.
A Ma Maniére x Wmns Air Jordan 3 Retro SP “Raised By Women”
Release Date: April 28, 2021
Lowest Price: $268 USD
Crafted as an homage to strong women all over the world, the Air Jordan 3 Retro SP “Raised by Women” is the byproduct of a successful collaboration with A Ma Maniere. The Atlanta-based retailer had a different approach for the sneaker, focusing on bringing delicacy to it with a soft grey suede on the collar, eye stay, heel and toe. Its main color is tumbled white leather, however, A Ma Maniére’s branding is present on the tongue with embroidery as well as an embossed Nike Air Logo in cream on the heel panel.
Air Jordan 3 Retro Tinker “Air Max 1”
Release Date: March 3, 2019
Lowest Price: $215 USD
Inspired by Tinker Hatfield’s 1988 sketch of the Air Jordan 3, the March 2019 Tinker “Air Max 1” spins a new twist on a classic design. Boasting the classic color scheme of the Air Max 1, it features a suede University Red mudguard and upgraded materials. Its upper features a leather construction with perforated detailing and a removable Swoosh. The finishing touch on the “Air Max 1” is Hatfield’s own signature on the inside of the tongue.
