What If? Reimagining OG Air Jordans With Flipped Logos

Dreaming up some additions to the just-announced "Rare Air."

Matt Varga August 1, 2024

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Amid a deluge of far-too-early news regarding 2025 Jordan Releases, a previously overlooked pair managed to send shockwaves across the internet. The Air Jordan 3 “Chile Red,” first announced on July 9th, got a notable update ahead of its Summer 2025 release; it’ll sport a backwards Nike Air logo on the right heel tab upon arrival.

Only in recent years did Jordan Brand drop its strict guidelines with the logo. The more obvious examples would be Travis Scott’s oversized and reversed logos on the Air Jordan 1 that continue to be among the most coveted on the market. Going back even further, the Tinker Hatfield collabs brought an embroidered “NIKE” to the collar — a nod to his earliest sketch of the shoe. Even recently, the Air Jordan 39 sports mirror imaged Jumpman logos to represent the GOAT’s ability to go in any direction he pleased on the court.

So, what if “Rare Air” became a series, much like how the Reimagined concept took life? With the surprisingly positive reaction on social media to the Air Jordan 3 “Rare Air”, we tossed up a few concept-only takes on beloved pairs to imagine how this new series would play out if spun out further.

Air Jordan 3 Black Cement Rare Air

It’s assuredly too late in the process to make changes to November’s Jordan 3 “Black Cement,” but maybe “Rare Air” could take to the vaunted colorway further down the line.

Air Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined Rare Air

How about a twist on a twist? The Air Jordan 3 “White Cement Reimagined” from last year spins its aged back tabs for a doubly irreverent take on one of the best Jordans of all time.

Air Jordan 4 Bred Rare Air

Are we at full “Bred” saturation? Reissuing the AJ4 “Black Cement” so shortly after the “Reimagined” issue would be a bold choice, but this pair’s lasting legacy makes them an obvious candidate.

Air Jordan 4 White Cement Rare Air

A release changing shape after initial leaks is pretty expected, so what if this new concept hit next year’s hotly anticipated Jordan 4 “White Cement?”

| Air Jordan 5 Black Metallic Rare Air

While the 2025 Air Jordan 5 “Metallic” is set to wear reflective piping, making it a “Rare Air” release would make it a doubly unique pair in the AJ5 canon.

Air Jordan 6 Infrared Rare Air

Among our six choices here, the Air Jordan 6 “Infrared” is the furthest from a new retro. Would twisting its hardware 5+ years later only increase anticipation? Or are Mike’s first championship kicks best left unadulterated?

Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.