166331

Michael Jordan Through The Years: Air Jordan III

Michael Jordan Through The Years: Air Jordan III

Michael Jordan Through The Years Aj Iii

The Air Jordan 1 caused controversy, and the Air Jordan II defied convention. The Air Jordan III tooted its horn when Michael Jordan wore them during the 1988 NBA Dunk Contest, winning in style over the favored Dominique Wilkins and performing the most memorable dunk in the contest’s history – one that will be forever instilled in NBA lore and imagery. The Air Jordan III presented a number of new features to the Air Jordan line, like visible Air, which debuted on the classic Air Max 1, the elephant print, which was a result of Jordan’s desire for an animal print on the shoe, and tumbled leather, which added a level of luxury to basketball shoes and satiated Jordan’s wishes.

The Air Jordan III opened the door to now legendary designer Tinker Hatfield, who went on to design the next twelve consecutive Air Jordan models. Hatfield and the design team worked tirelessly for weeks, sometimes going without sleep for days at time, to create a one-of-a-kind shoe fit for Jordan’s personal and specific tastes and grandstanding enough to be worthy of its own podium. The Air Jordan III also welcomed movie director and fellow Brooklyn-native Spike Lee into the Air Jordan marketing strategy; while the Air Jordan 1 & II utilized a dramatic angle, the III featured a comedic approach, with ‘Mars Blackmon’ hanging on a basketball rim while standing on the shoulders of his “main man” Michael Jordan and providing most of the dialogue while letting Jordan speak with his actions.

However, the Air Jordan III was almost at risk of never being created, as Michael Jordan considered leaving Nike, until a stern chat with his father and a meeting with Tinker Hatfield changed his mind and opened up a newfound excitement for the Air Jordan III and the future of his signature line. The excitement resulted in one of the most successful spans in Jordan’s career; Michael ended the ’88 season with an League MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, All-Star Game MVP, and Dunk Contest Trophy while providing a firm foundation for the following ’88-’89 season, which turned out to be Jordan’s best all-around campaign. The three original colorways were all in rotation – White for the Dunk Contest and regular season, Fire Red for the Playoffs, and Black for All-Star Game. The fourth original colorway, known as the ‘True Blues’, were never worn by Michael as a Bull, but he brought them out during his brief tenure with the Washington Wizards. The Air Jordan III is long considered one of the greatest footwear designs of all time, and by some to be the greatest Air Jordan in the label’s history. Continue reading for a gallery of Michael Jordan and the Air Jordan III and stay tuned to Sneaker News for the next volume of Michael Jordan Through The Years.

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 03

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 04

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 05

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 17

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 08

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 09

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 10

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 15

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 12

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 13

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 14

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 18

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 19

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 20

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 07

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 24

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 11

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 22

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 25

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 16

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 01

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 06

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 02

Michael Jordan Though The Years Air Jordan Iii 23

Latest News

Fernando Tatis Jr. Honors Late Padres Owner With Air Jordan 1 Cleats

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. is known as one of the most fashion-forward MLB athletes, and his taste in baseball cleats lives up...

by Andrew Rizzo 10 hours
483

The Nike Air Max 1 "Easter" Drops On Good Friday

Updated March 28th, 2024: The Nike Air Max 1 “Easter” is set to release on Good Friday (March 29th, 2024) for $160. Nearly a full...

by Jared Ebanks 10 hours
3507

The New Balance 530 Rounds Out The "Festivals" Pack

Friday is good indeed: A trio of New Balance lifestyle bangers will be launching exclusively at JD Sports & Finish Line, each decorated in a...

by Sneaker News 11 hours
523