Balvin x Air Jordan 3 Black Orange
The Air Jordan 3 marked the beginning of the Jumpman's illustrious journey to fame. This iconic pair of sneakers accompanied Michael Jordan on his path to numerous accolades, including All-Star and regular-season MVP titles, Defensive Player of the Year honors, and even another Slam Dunk Contest championship. In 1988, the introduction of the Air Jordan 3 played a pivotal role in retaining Michael Jordan, who was on the brink of parting ways with Nike. Simultaneously, Tinker Hatfield introduced the classic Jumpman logo, which still stands as a cornerstone for Jordan Brand's transformation into an industry giant. The Air Jordan 3, the third-generation basketball shoe in the Jordan series, made its debut in 1987, and it gained notoriety for its distinctive elephant print patterns on the shoe's surface. The 1988 Slam Dunk Contest held in Chicago is etched in history as one of the most thrilling events ever. Participants included the former three dunk champions, Dominique Wilkins, Chris Webber, and the indomitable Michael Jordan. In the end, it was Jordan's free-throw line dunk that sealed his victory and etched an iconic moment in basketball history. Even after three decades, Tinker Hatfield vividly recalls the events leading up to the launch of the Air Jordan 3. The 66-year-old designer recently shared numerous details with ESPN. The Air Jordan 3, one of the most beloved Air Jordan models of all time, redefined style and technology standards for the Michael Jordan brand's sneakers. Similar to the Air Jordan 2, it masterfully fused elegance with style. It notably departed from the large Swoosh logos seen on earlier models, instead featuring the Air logo at the rear. Three significant new elements were introduced: a Jumpman logo on the tongue, a gray elephant skin-like print on the upper, and a visible Air unit in the heel. The price tag remained substantial at $100, as was the case with the Air Jordan 2. However, within the same week, both Peter Moore, the designer of the first two Air Jordan silhouettes in 1987, and Rob Strasser, vice president of marketing, parted ways with the company to start their own brands. This added complexity to the company's structure and caused delays in Air Jordan 3 production. Furthermore, Michael Jordan's original contract with the brand was up for renewal. The Air Jordan 3 ultimately found its savior in Tinker Hatfield, a former University of Oregon pole vaulter and architecture major. His previous designs, including the Swoosh, Air Max 1 running shoe, and Air Trainer 1, were revolutionary, setting the stage for Hatfield to take on the Air Jordan 3 project. Michael Jordan sported the Air Jordan 3 during the 1988 All-Star Weekend in Chicago, where he secured his second consecutive Slam Dunk Contest victory with his signature foul-line dunk. He also graced the court with a "Black Cement" pair during the actual All-Star Game. In front of an audience of 18,403 fans, Jordan delivered a remarkable performance with 40 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks, earning him the MVP title, a feat he accomplished only once that season. Dressed in the Black colorway, the Air Jordan 3 Retro men's sneaker is equipped with a lightweight visible cushioning system that preserves the original model's comfort. Crafted from a combination of leather and synthetic materials for durability, it features classic elements paying homage to the legendary achievements of those who left an indelible mark on the game. |
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