The Air Jordan 3 Retro Lucky Shorts is set to launch on February 22, 2025, bringing a new iteration of the iconic silhouette that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s long-held superstition. The design draws direct inspiration from the University of North Carolina (UNC) practice shorts that Jordan famously wore beneath his Chicago Bulls uniform throughout his NBA career. With a crisp white base, accents in varying shades of blue, and carefully placed details referencing Jordan’s college days, this release continues Jordan line’s tradition of blending personal history with sneaker culture.
Design
The Jordan 3 Lucky Shorts is crafted with premium materials, staying true to the silhouette’s legacy while incorporating fresh elements. A white tumbled leather upper provides a smooth yet textured base, contrasted by grey suede overlays at the forefoot and heel. These soft grey panels replace the traditional elephant print found on most Jordan 3 releases, offering a refined take on the classic design.
Powder blue eyelets and Jumpman branding on the tongue and heel tab add pops of color, referencing UNC’s signature hues. A deeper shade of blue wraps around the rear midsole, creating a balanced color-blocking effect. The off-white polyurethane midsole houses visible Air-Sole cushioning in the heel, ensuring comfort while maintaining the sneaker’s distinctive aesthetic. Underfoot, a grey rubber outsole provides reliable traction, making the “Lucky Shorts” an option for both casual wear and on-court performance.
A unique detail found on this edition is the inside tongue label, designed to mimic the washing instructions tag on clothing. This subtle touch references Jordan’s habit of wearing his college shorts under his professional uniform, reinforcing the theme of superstition that defines this release.
Performance
The Air Jordan 3 has long been regarded as one of the most versatile basketball sneakers, offering a combination of style and function. The Lucky Short 3s feature a foam midsole with encapsulated Air cushioning in the forefoot and a visible Air unit in the heel, delivering impact absorption and all-day comfort.
The rubber outsole includes a multi-directional traction pattern, ensuring stability on different surfaces. Additionally, the ankle collar and tongue are padded for enhanced support, making the sneaker suitable for both lifestyle wear and athletic activities. The combination of genuine and synthetic leather provides durability, ensuring that the sneaker maintains its structure over time.
The Story Behind the Lucky Shorts
Michael Jordan’s attachment to his UNC practice shorts dates back to the 1982 NCAA Championship game, where he hit a game-winning shot to secure the title for the Tar Heels. This moment became a defining point in his career, and as he transitioned to the NBA, he developed a superstition around the shorts, believing they brought him good fortune. As a result, he wore them underneath his professional uniform in every game, ensuring that a piece of his college success remained with him on the court.
This ritual even influenced the NBA’s uniform regulations. To accommodate his hidden shorts, Jordan requested longer, looser game shorts, which led to a shift in basketball fashion. This trend, popularized by Jordan, soon became the norm in the league, changing the way basketball uniforms were designed.
Release Details
The Air Jordan 3 “Lucky Shorts” will be available on February 22, 2025, at select retailers and online through Nike SNKRS. Priced at $200 for adult sizes, the sneaker will also be released in grade school, preschool, and toddler sizing, making it accessible to a wide range of sneaker enthusiasts. The shoebox features a split design, with an elephant print base and a UNC blue Jumpman logo on the lid, adding a collectible aspect to the release.
In addition to the “Lucky Shorts” release, another UNC-inspired sneaker is on the horizon. The Jordan 1 UNC Reimagined is set to launch on May 10, 2025. This edition takes the classic University of North Carolina color scheme and applies it to a high-top silhouette with vintage-inspired details. The cracked leather finish, reminiscent of the “Lost and Found” release, gives the sneaker an aged appearance, adding a nostalgic touch.
With the release of both the Air Jordan 3 Lucky Shorts and the Air Jordan 1 High OG UNC Reimagined, Jordan line continues to celebrate Michael Jordan’s college legacy while offering fresh takes on beloved models.
