Everything You Need to Know: Air Jordan 3 Retro ’88

To the delight of some and the dismay of others, the Air Jordan 3 is retroing tomorrow with Nike Air on the heel. Limited in numbers but abundant in history, we take a look back at previous White/Cement AJ3 releases while looking forward to tomorrow?s launch. Get the basics on this classic in Everything You Need to Know.

Release History

1988

image via Sole Collector

The Air Jordan 3 originally released in 1988, with the White/Cement colorway leading the pack. Aside from awesome endorsement from Michael Jordan, this shoe served as the first Air Jordan design by Tinker Hatfield. Visible Air, elephant print, and the Jumpman logo were all debuted on this model. While the Jordan silo stamped the tongue, Nike Air resided on the heel.

1994

image via Sneaker Files

Following Jordan’s surprise retirement and coinciding with ten years of Nikes, the Air Jordan 3 White/Cement released in 1994 as the first Jordan retro ever. The shoes came in a special edition box and featured the first retro card. Because Jordan Brand was yet to form, this makeup also featured Nike Air on the heel. Despite recent retro popularity, sales were slow in the early years of AJ re-releases.

2003

image via Sneaker Files

The Air Jordan 3 White/Cement released for the third time in April 19th of 2003. Though the shoe had a US release date, one had to be in the know with a shoe store or an avid reader of Nike Talk to be up on this product launch. Featuring the Jumpman on the heel for the first time and feeding a growing retro appetite, the shoes sold much better than the ’94 edition.

2011

In 2011, the Air Jordan 3 White/Cement launched for the fourth time, seeing the second edition with Jumpman heel branding. Though popular, a January release date after a heavy holiday season saw somewhat slow sales.