It’s a question that gets asked all the time, even more so in 2024: “What are the best Air Jordan 3 sneakers of all time?” Well, we’ve put together an amazing list of the best of the best, chosen by popularity, rareness and, of course, the design quality of the silhouette. Here, we’ve ranked the 10 best (or top 10) Air Jordan 3 colourways of all time.
As someone who was just settling into my teen years (if there’s such a thing as settling into being a teenager) when Michael Jordan was at the height of his greatness, I’ll admit to being biased as I write this article. I believe that MJ is the greatest basketball player of all time and will remain so for a very long time – at least in my lifetime. Shout-out to fans of LeBron and Kareem (of which I am one, by the way), but there’s no debate to be had here. There is no other king. However, when it comes to other matters like “What is the best sneaker ever?” or, more specifically, “What is the best Air Jordan silhouette ever?” I’m more open to sitting down and having a chat. I consider myself a man closer to the earlier part of my sneaker education journey, so I am more open-minded and willing to be schooled by the OGs.
As it stands now, though, the Air Jordan 3s are firmly planted at the top of my list of favourite AJs, followed closely by the 1s. These sneakers have character and energy, but they’re mature, too. Maybe that’s just my ‘grown-man self’ talking, but there’s just something about that tumbled leather upper combined with that exquisite elephant print that feeds my spirit. More than that, the story behind the shoe has enough substance to tell a tale. Firstly, this was the first Air Jordan shoe designed by famed creator Tinker Hatfield, a man who would go on to be a long-time collaborator with His Airness. As we wrote when we released our Guide To Every Air Jordan Sneaker Release, “inspired by Michael Jordan’s love for luxury cars, Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 3 with sleek lines and smooth curves, just like the finest automobiles. He introduced the iconic elephant print, a design element that added a touch of wildness and energy to the shoe. And to top it all off, Hatfield added a visible Air unit to the heel for extra cushioning, making the Air Jordan 3 as stylish as possible.
Secondly, this was the first shoe on which we saw the iconic Jumpman logo that has become a staple of the Jordan Brand. Then, lastly, there’s the on-court legend of the shoe: the Air Jordan 3 was the shoe that graced MJ’s feet when he easily won the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest at the All-Star weekend, beating out his rival, Dominique Wilkins. Even now, that edition of the Slam Dunk Contest is still among the top three battles ever. Outside of the world of superheroes, if you’re a fan of watching men fly through the air, I’d highly recommend you watch it.
So, there’s much to say about the shoe, whether you’re an entry-level kicks fan or a certified sneakerhead. As we celebrate the icon that is this third shoe from the line, we want to give you our list of the 10 best Air Jordan 3 sneakers of all time. Now, as with all vibrant and sometimes over-eager communities, there will always be disagreement – and for that reason, we warmly invite you to let us know what you think of our list after you’re done going through – but we’re pretty excited about how we’ve got things stacked up here. So, here goes…
10. Air Jordan 3 “Fire Red” (1988)
This is a striking, vibrant shoe that features the colours of the Chicago Bulls as accents. It was one of the original four colourways of the shoe to be released. The upper features a clean white leather base, providing a canvas for the eye-catching details, namely the iconic elephant print overlays adorning the toe cap, heel and eyestays. This textured pattern adds depth, energy and visual interest. The fiery red hits on the midsole, eyelets, Jumpman logo and tongue lining, create a vibrant contrast against the white.
9. Air Jordan 3 “Seoul” (2018)
Released in 2018 and cooked up as a special celebration in the Nike Innovation Kitchen, this colourway pays homage to the 1988 Summer Olympics hosted in Seoul, South Korea. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and Dan Sunwoo, currently the Senior Director of Virtual Creation & Curation at Nike Virtual Studios, this limited-edition iteration draws inspiration from the Taegukgi, the Korean flag. Its white leather upper reflects the flag’s background, while red and blue accents on the collar, inner tongue and heel nod to its bold stripes. The “Seoul” inscription on the left tongue and the 1988 games motto, “Harmony and Progress,” on the right further solidify the sneaker’s connection to the historic event. Most haven’t picked up that even the elephant print overlays somehow echo the intricate patterns found in traditional Korean art. More than just a colourway, the Air Jordan 3 “Seoul” embodies the spirit of international competition and cultural exchange, helping us remember that there is great unifying power in sport and design.
8. Air Jordan 3 “Mocha” (2001, 2018)
This subtle yet elegant release deserves its place on our list of the best Air Jordan 3 sneakers of all time. Sometimes, you don’t need to speak too loud to stamp your authority; the “Mocha” proves that. Made from pristine white tumbled leather like the OGs, the Air Jordan 3 “Mocha” boasts a clean, sophisticated aesthetic. Mocha brown accents enhance the signature elephant print panels at the heel and toe, adding depth and dimension. This warmth extends to the branding, top lace eyelets made of TPU, as well as the outsole, creating a cohesive colour palette. Rounding off this premium look are metallic silver lace eyelets near the toe, offering a subtle touch of shine. This brown and white combo gained its own hype through retro releases. Picture these in blue or khaki denim!
7. Solefly x Air Jordan 3 Retro “Lotto” (2014)
Somewhere in the world, there are sneaker lovers still profoundly hurt by the fact that SoleFly, the Miami-based sneaker boutique, didn’t make this collaboration available for mass consumption. But then again, we all know there’s incredible power in making things hard to find or get. It’s something we talked about in this recent article, in a short section on commodity scarcity. The SoleFly x Air Jordan 3 Retro “Lotto” features premium materials and a vibrant colour scheme evocative of the Florida Lottery. Laser Crimson laces and Nightshade accents add playful energy, while Laser Orange details subtly recall the lottery’s logo. A unique touch rests beneath the back pull tab: a hidden “305” code and a miniature map of Florida, signifying the collaboration with SoleFly (based in Miami). This limited-edition sneaker offers a vibrant yet professional interpretation of Florida’s spirit, and it’s one of the most beautiful colourways of the Air Jordan 3 ever made.
6. Air Jordan 3 Retro “Cool Grey” (2007)
Debuting in 2007 and then returning in 2021 (to much fanfare, mind you), the Air Jordan 3 “Cool Grey” established itself, like the “Mocha” we talked about just now, as a fine example of understated elegance. Leaving behind the vibrant and colourful hues usually associated with the 3, this colourway was more about sophisticated minimalism. It was intended to cater to a discerning and mature audience.
The shoe has a grey leather upper, again the blank canvas for the understated design. The elephant print overlays are slightly darker this time, creating subtle depth and dimension without resorting to bold contrasts. Accent is then provided by pops of orange around the eyelets for a touch of vibrancy. At the same time, the tongue branding boasts a hint of sport red, both strategically placed to complement the overall colour palette. The Air unit in the heel, also cloaked in the beautiful cool grey, maintains the classic Jordan look while staying consistent with the monochromatic theme. It’s worth mentioning that there’s a definite upgrade on this colourway in terms of materials. The entire upper utilizes premium leather, ensuring both comfort and durability. This upgrade ensures the shoe is not just pleasing to look at but built to withstand everyday wear demands. The “Cool Grey”, with its sophisticated aesthetic and premium materials, makes this one of the most coveted shoes in the Air Jordan 3 family.
RELATED: A Guide To Every Air Jordan Sneaker Release (1 to 38)
5. Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cat” (2007)
This sneaker, worn by Michael Jordan during his 2001-02 NBA comeback, is a thing of beauty – proving once more that every silhouette needs an all-black colourway in its back pocket. This one isn’t black, for blackness’ sake, though. There’s meaning to the name “Black Cat”, as His Airness was given that famed nickname by his high school and college friends and teammates. Like the previous subtle colourways we’ve discussed, this one exudes supreme confidence without shouting.
A contrasting glossy patent leather strip wraps around the mudguard, adding a touch of shine. Then we have the elephant print overlays in a “Dark Charcoal”, which brings depth and texture to the front and back, maintaining a mysterious and enigmatic vibe. This is one for the collectors, and it’s easy to see why.
4. Air Jordan 3 Retro “Doernbecher” (2023)
There’s a really moving story behind this colourway. It was a collaboration between Nike and the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and was designed by 14-year-old Hugo “Juice” Covarrubias Molina. Hugo has a condition that causes one side of his body to grow larger than the other (Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome). The sneakers feature a navy blue upper with contrasting ‘slime green’ accents, paying homage to Hugo’s favourite football team, the Seattle Seahawks (Go Hawks!). Hugo was given space and freedom to give the shoes a personal touch, including the words “It’s ok to be different” in his handwriting on the outsole, which is a unique and meaningful touch. As a shoe intended to showcase the bravery and toughness of young patients battling various conditions, this colourway tugs at our heartstrings. It earns its place in the top four of our list of the best Air Jordan 3 sneakers.
We’ve now reached the crème de la crème of our list, and we’re excited to share what we believe are the top 3 Air Jordan 3 colourways ever. What’s worth noting before we get there is that these next three sneakers were actually three of the four original colourways released when the 3s came out. That says something about the brilliance of the original designs and the enduring love and loyalty fans have had for these kicks from the beginning. Not only that, from a sales perspective, it’s also a testament to how the AJ3s have been able to attract a new, likely younger crowd of sneaker aficionados to the cash registers. So now, the top 3…
3. Air Jordan 3 Retro “True Blue” (1988, 2001, 2009, 2011, 2016)
The Air Jordan 3 Retro “True Blue” is a classic silhouette with a special place in sneaker history. Also, it’s my favourite Air Jordan 3, if it counts for anything. Remember when we mentioned Michael Jordan’s big-time performance at the All-Star Game in 1988? Well, this was the shoe he had on. There’s no disputing its place in NBA history at the highest level. Being practical people, too, though, let’s talk about the design elements.
The “True Blue” 3s feature a predominantly white leather upper, creating a clean and timeless look. As with the other classic colourways, the elephant print overlays are on the toe cap and heel. Some prominent and classy True Blue accents are on the eyelets, tongue lining, and Jumpman logo. For an element of visual difference and contrast, we are treated to a beautiful and striking red outsole.
2. Air Jordan 3 Retro “White Cement” (1988, 1994, 2003, 2011, 2013, 2018)
This is the true OG, the grail, the root from which all others came. On this colourway, we first came to truly love and appreciate the 3’s signature elephant print, clean lines, and historical significance. While wearing this sneaker, MJ blew our minds by flying from the free throw line to the rim in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest. For this reason, this shoe is an icon.
The shoe has a crispy, fresh white leather upper reminiscent of freshly pressed linen, serving as the foundation for this timeless masterpiece. This immaculate base isn’t just a blank canvas but also underscores the superior quality of the material. However, the focal point lies in the iconic elephant print overlay, rendered in a cool, cement grey. Others have referred to the elephant print we’ve discussed throughout this article as “cracked leather” due to its intricate pattern. This groundbreaking innovation set it apart from other shoe designs that were coming out at the time. Even by today’s 2020s standards, the elephant print is truly a marvel.
The design is punctuated by fire red accents, making the shoe vibrant and yet not allowing it to compromise the overall refined aesthetic. The Jumpman logo on the tongue and the Nike Air branding on the heel displays the heritage in that same fiery hue. Even the eyelets and inner lining have subtle touches of red, ensuring a cohesive visual narrative without succumbing to unnecessary drama.
Then, right beneath the upper is a supportive polyurethane midsole, mirroring the white of the upper to complement the harmony of the colour palette. But the true star of this show is the Air unit encased in a clear window at the heel. This tech isn’t meant to just be functional but is also intended to be visually striking, adding a futuristic touch to the design. The outsole, meanwhile, utilizes a solid grey rubber for durability and traction, completing the look with understated functionality. It’s really something special to behold and appreciate. This meticulous attention to detail is evident even in the stitching, meticulously executed in white to seamlessly blend with the upper.
Though multiple iterations have followed, the original “White Cement” remains an unmatched symbol of the 3’s greatness. Its clean colourway, premium materials and innovative touches cemented (wink, wink) its place in sneaker history, forever associated with Michael Jordan’s on-court prowess and cultural impact.
1. Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cement” (1988, 1994, 2001, 2008, 2011, 2018)
We’re ready to place our bets and call this one the undisputed champion. However, some compelling arguments may be made that our 2nd place and 3rd place colourways should be at the top here. That’s a conversation for the comments section, and we’d love to meet you there. Still, there’s no question that the “Black Cement” is the ultimate Air Jordan 3 and the best one to ever do it.
This sneaker is time-honoured as a pillar of sneaker culture. With an absolutely striking blend of black, cement grey and fire red accents, this shoe is all about sophistication and athleticism. That tumbled leather upper features here again, while the signature elephant print overlays somehow look bolder and more potent on this colourway than on the “White Cement”, which may be what edges it ever so slightly into first place. It is, without question, still one of the best-selling Air Jordan 3s ever, and the number of re-releases and ‘re-imaginings’ bears witness to this.
So, now that we’re done with our list, what are your thoughts? Are there colourways we’ve left out that you believe should be here? Are there some on the list that you think we’ve ranked too highly? We’d love to hear from you.
Tell us, what do you think are the best Air Jordan 3 sneakers of all time?
