The Air Jordan 3 has a timeless quality to it that makes it the go-to pick for people searching for a mid-cut shoe. Designed in 1988, the iconic sneaker has weathered the test of time due mainly to the distinctive elephant print and leather combination that has always kept these shoes unique. And now, in 2022 one of its OG colorways is getting a re-release.
Read on to discover more about the Air Jordan 3 ‘Fire Red’ 2022 Release:
Air Jordan 3 Heritage
Tinker Hatfield, the world’s most recognized sneaker designer, created the iconic sneaker back in 1988, during a period of transition between retro and modern, as seen by its exposed air bubble design exposing the Nike Air Unit, self-lacing mechanism, and chunkier shape. They were the first Jordans to include the Jumpman symbol on the tongue, which has since become a pop culture symbol, making them incredibly important in Jordan history.
Hatfield sincerely cared about what athletes thought about the footwear they were wearing, a habit he most likely inherited from his old Oregon coach and Nike co-founder, Bill Bowerman. Hatfield spoke with Jordan about what he wanted in a shoe: something with a mid-cut height rather than the super-high shoes everyone else was wearing; something comfy that broke right in with smooth, supple leather; something with flair and refinement.
The Air Jordan 3 sneaker was inspired by the Air Jordan 1 and 2, the free throw dunk, an elephant, and, of course, Michael Jordan. Jordan wore Air Jordan 3s at All-Star Weekend in Chicago, when he won his second Slam Dunk Contest with his famous foul-line dunk. Most sneakerheads remember Jordan wearing the Air Jordan 3 for the first time during the All-Star Game. However, he wore the “White Cement” variant in a few games as early as November 1987.
These shoes were designed for performance as well as looks. Its mid-cut shape provides more flexibility than high-tops while also providing more stability than low-tops, preserving the ankle. It capitalized on the strengths of its predecessors, the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 2.
Nike’s marketing plan was straightforward and effective; they had Michael Jordan and a young Spike Lee in the role of Mars Blackmon on their team. You had to run out and buy a pair after viewing these hilarious ads.
Between Jordan’s All-Star Weekend performance, the ads, and the reality that he would never wear the black version again, a legendary sneaker was born.
The Air Jordan 3 has been retroed numerous times throughout the years, with the iconic ‘White Cement’ and ‘Black Cement’ colorways being the most coveted.
Air Jordan 3 ‘Fire Red’ 2022 Release
People become a little more excited than normal when it comes to Jordan OG re-releases. Especially for a sneaker that has yet to have a full OG-branded re-release. Originally launched in 1988 as one of the original four Air Jordan 3 colors, along with the ‘White Cement,’ ‘Black Cement,’ and ‘True Blue’ hues, the The Air Jordan 3 ‘Fire Red’ is the holy grail of many sneakerheads.
Although the sneaker was re-released twice, it wasn’t exactly in its OG form. While both the 2006 and 2013 versions are warmly regarded, they both lack the Nike Air symbol at the heel, a feature that has justified all Jordan Brand rereleases.
The upcoming release will be the first return in OG form, featuring the Grey-on-Black elephant print and the Nike Air branding on the heel and the sneakers coming in original design packaging.
Find new releases of Jordan shoes.
Air Jordan 3 ‘Fire Red’ Design
The colorway should be equally recognizable elsewhere, with white leathers making up the majority of the upper. The ‘Fire Red’ accentuates the collar, midsole, and eyelets, while grey neutrals and the characteristic cement design accent the remainder of the eye stays and toe/counter.
The Air Jordan 3 OG ‘Fire Red’ is set to release on September 10th via the Nike SNKRS app and at select retailers at a recommended retail price of $210. Check out the images below and keep an eye on our Air Jordan Release Dates page for further information and updates on the release.
If you can’t wait till the official release or you’re afraid you might end up empty handed, head to GOAT and Flight Club to get your hands on pre-verified pairs.
Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “Fire Red”
Release Date: September 10th, 2022
Color: White / Fire Red – Neutral Grey – Black
Style #: DN3707-160
Price: $210
