Behind The Design: Air Jordan 3 'Black Cement'

The timeless Air Jordan 3 'Black Cement' is set to make its highly anticipated return on November 23, 2024. This beloved colorway, originally released in 1988, has been a fan favorite, no matter when it is released. Whether it has Nike Air or a Jumpman on the heel, this colorway is always an instant sell-out and will now return in its original form for the first time. This article delves into the design, significance, and appeal of the Air Jordan 3 'Black Cement.'

History of the Air Jordan 3

The Air Jordan 3 was a significant departure from its predecessor, the Air Jordan 2. Designed by Peter Moore, the Air Jordan 2 was designed with a focus on bringing style and luxury to performance basketball shoes. After the underwhelming debut of the Air Jordan 2, Peter Moore left Nike, and Tinker Hatfield stepped in as the new designer for Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan 3 was a make-or-break for Nike and their relationship with Michael Jordan. After the Air Jordan 2 letdown, other footwear brands started reaching out to Jordan, and rumors began circulating that he would leave Nike for Adidas. 

Following an introduction and design meeting with Jordan, Hatfield returned to Beaverton, where he worked on sketches and prototypes, drawing inspiration from the Air Revolution's midsole. Crafting the first mid-cut basketball silhouette and incorporating softer leather options, Hatfield presented Jordan with a design that prioritized comfort and style, featuring the first Jumpman logo and new elephant print textured paneling. The unveiling of the prototype during a pivotal meeting left Jordan impressed. A public release of four colorways followed in 1988, and the rest was history.

Behind the Design: Air Jordan 3 'Black Cement'

Since its debut in 1988, the Air Jordan 3 'Black Cement' has been re-released several times, but this November 23 release marks a significant milestone. It will be the sixth official retro of this iconic colorway, following previous iterations in 1994, 2001, 2008, 2011, and 2018. However, what makes this 2024 release particularly special is that it will return in its original construction, staying true to the design that made it legendary. Unlike previous retros that may have deviated slightly from the original, this version promises to remain faithful to Michael Jordan's groundbreaking 1988 model.

The 'Black Cement' colorway features a black upper with fire-red accents, creating a striking contrast that sets it apart from other Air Jordan 3 releases. The shoe's signature design elements include a black tumbled leather upper, elephant print overlays, fire red accents on the tongue, eyelets, inner lining, a visible Air unit in the heel, and a cement grey rubber outsole.

The 2024 Air Jordan 3 'Black Cement' represents a significant moment for basketball fans and sneaker collectors worldwide. This shoe marked a major turning point for Nike and Jordan, revolutionizing the footwear industry forever. With its unique and innovative design, Tinker Hatfield created a masterpiece that saved Nike from losing the greatest basketball player ever. Whether you're a veteran collector with pairs already in your collection or looking for your very first 'Black Cement' Air Jordan 3, the 2024 release is definitely the one to get.