This is the sneaker question that never takes a season off, and in 2024 it’s louder than ever: “What are the best Air Jordan 3 sneakers of all time?” You’ve asked it. We’ve argued about it. Someone definitely brought up elephant print like it’s a personality trait. So we did the work. This list locks in the best of the best, ranked by popularity, rareness, and how good the silhouette actually looks on foot, not just on Instagram. Ten colourways made the cut. Some are obvious. A few might annoy you. That’s the fun part. Your favourites in here, or are you already typing an angry comment?
Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cement”
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, while the signature elephant print overlays somehow look bolder and more potent on this colourway than on any other AJ3. 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.
Air Jordan 3 Retro “White Cement”
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.
Air Jordan 3 Retro “True Blue”
The Air Jordan 3 Retro “True Blue” is a classic silhouette with a special place in sneaker history. 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.
Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cat”
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.
Air Jordan 3 Retro “Cool Grey”
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.
Solefly x Air Jordan 3 Retro “Lotto”
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. 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
Air Jordan 3 “Mocha”
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.
Air Jordan 3 “Seoul”
HReleased 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.
Air Jordan 3 “Fire Red”
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.
Air Jordan 3 Retro “Doernbecher”
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!). See more amazing Jordan sneakers: Sneaker Fortress
