Introduced in 1988 and often hailed as one of the best Jordan silhouettes to come to fruition, the Air Jordan 3 was conceptualised by legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield. Known for creating silhouettes such as the Air Max 1 and the Air Huarache, back in ‘88 Hatfield was yet to create a Jordan silhouette, with the previous two iterations designed by Peter Moore. With MJ’s career continuing to skyrocket, footwear offers from competitors were coming in thick and fast, with the Bulls star tempted to leave Nike for a better offer.
The Swoosh had to do something fast, as rumour had it Jordan was unsatisfied with the AJ2. Enlisting the help of Tinker, the Air Jordan 3 was finally launched in 1988 after running six months behind schedule. Tinker Hatfield and Phil Knight flew to California to present the finished design to MJ, who turned up four hours late after being out on a golf trip. After a long and arduous meeting, Jordan was convinced to keep his contract at Nike, with the AJ3 hitting the market soon after.
How Does the Air Jordan 3 Fit?
If you’re looking to add a pair of Air Jordan 3s to your sneaker collection then you’ll need to be sure to buy the right size. Ill-fitting sneakers can lead to discomfort while being worn, plus they’re also likely to crease faster – which no sneakerhead wants. As a general rule, it’s safe to assume that the Air Jordan 3 fits true to size. Here at Crepslocker we’d advise picking up your usual size unless you have irregularly wide feet, in which case a half size up should suffice. Of course, we’d always recommend trying a pair of sneakers in-store if possible, but we know this isn’t always an option.
How Does the Air Jordan 3 Fit Compared to Other Nikes?
The good news is that if you’ve ever owned a pair of Nikes or Jordans previously, the Air Jordan 3 will fit relatively similar to those. Most Nike sneakers follow a similar pattern in terms of sizing, although there are certain exceptions. For example, the Air Force 1 fits large, so most people need to size down a half size for a proper fit. But if you compare the AJ3 with the AJ1 or the AJ4, the sizing will be the exact same.
How to Style the Air Jordan 3?
Designed over 35 years ago, the Air Jordan 3 looks just as good today as it did when it first released. This timeless approach to design showcased by Tinker Hatfield is visible throughout all of his work, the mark of a true legend within the game. Due to its bulky high-top appearance, the Jordan 3 works best in casual streetwear outfits. Match it with a pair of sweatpants of oversized shorts for a laid-back look, then combine with your favourite streetwear T-shirt or hoodie. If you opt for trousers or jeans, make sure that they drape over the top of your Jordans for a contemporary touch.
What Are the Best Air Jordan 3s Ever?
There have been countless great Air Jordan 3 releases over the years, making it impossible to pick a favourite, however we can absolutely narrow it down to a few. As sneakerheads we have to pay homage to the OGs, meaning that the “White Cement” classic from back in ‘88 holds a special place in our hearts here at Crepslocker. However, it’s hard to deny how good recent collaborations that use the AJ3 as a blank canvas have been. For starters, the fragment design x AJ3 from back in 2020 offers a stripped-back take on the classic, while the A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3 from 2021 decks the silhouette out in pleasant neutral hues for a must-have pair.
Where to Buy Air Jordan 3s?
Here at Crepslocker we stock a huge range of different Air Jordan 3s in many different sizes, meaning it’s easy to find the perfect pair right here. Be sure to browse our full selection and while you’re with us, check out the rest of our site for all the latest sneaker drops and the world’s hottest luxury brands.
