The 15 Best Air Jordan 3 (AJ3) Colourways of All Time

The Air Jordan 3 is one of Tinker Hatfield’s best designs and also the sneaker that kept Michael Jordan at Nike. First launched back in 1988, we’ve had plenty of legendary colourways and collaborations over the years, cementing the AJ3 into sneaker history. Here at The Sole Supplier we’ve delved deep into the archives and managed to round up our top 15 colourways of all time.

Whether you’re well-versed in Air Jordan history or new to the scene, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with topping up your knowledge, so if you fancy adding some important facts to your mental sneaker encyclopedia then read on for everything you need to know about the Air Jordan 3! Make sure to keep it locked in right here at The Sole Supplier for all you need to know in the sneaker world, along with all the latest news!

First released back in 2007 (and then retroed in 2021), the AJ3 “Cool Grey” offers a played-down take on the classic silhouette that will no doubt blend seamlessly into any outfit. If you love the silhouette and you’re looking for a no-nonsense colourway that ticks all the boxes then it doesn’t get much better than this. Yellow and red accents complete the look along with classic Nike elephant print across the mudguards.

Now we all know it doesn’t get much better than triple black, but how about a triple black AJ3? The Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” does that, decking out the legendary mode in a stealthy get-up that’s ideal for all year round. Nubuck and patent leather adorn the uppers for a premium vibe, while elephant branding is also present for a traditional look. White Jumpman branding located on the outsole is the only splash of colour here.

Plenty of Air Jordan colourways have honoured the University of North Carolina over the years, as it’s a well-known fact that Michael Jordan played there for 3 seasons before he made the move to the Chicago Bulls. This history was immortalised in the form of an Air Jordan 3 "UNC" back in 2020. The colourway was primarily white along with iconic blue details and of course, elephant print across the mudguard. Definitely one for the hardcore MJ fans!

While many sneakerheads will initially think of the more recent AJ1 when the “Mocha” colourway is mentioned, the AJ3 Neapolitan Mocha is also an absolute classic that definitely deserves more love than it gets! The pair originally debuted back in 2001 and then resurfaced in 2018 for a retro release. It doesn’t get much better than a legendary colourway on a leegndary silhouette, so whether you’ve got an expansive Jordan collection or you’re new to the game these are totally worth the cop!

As the first collaborative AJ3 to appear in this list, the Air Jordan 3 AMM launched in early 2021 and was one of the most important Jordan Brand collaborations in a long time. The pair showcased a luxury feel throughout thanks to premium construction materials like luxe leather and supple suede, while the neutral-hued colourway was perfectly on trend and proved a hit with sneakerheads and fashion fans alike. Dual-branding and aged-white heel tabs finish off this excellent release.

The Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” is a serious OG release that’s appeared a number of times throughout the years. First launched all the way back in 1988, the colourway resurfaced in 2003, 2009 and then again in 2011. However, none of these releases featured the key “Nike Air” logo on the heels, as they instead opted for the less popular Jumpman logo. Jordan Brand finally answered many sneakerhead’s prayers in 2016 when the OG “Nike Air” pair finally returned. A true grail for fans of the AJ3.

Launched for the very first time in 2018, the AJ3 “Chlorophyll” takes on a legendary Nike colourway, as it pays homage to to a specific pair or Air Trainer 1’s that were worn by Michael Jordan on a daily basis back in 1987. A full suede upper sets these apart from most other classic AJ3 releases, with grey, black and aged white panels all complementing the chlorophyll green hue. While these are a relatively new release in the sneaker timeline, they quickly cemented themselves as a classic.

One of several Air Jordan 3s that reflect Tinker Hatfield’s original design sketch (featuring the Nike Swoosh), the “Tinker Oregon Ducks” is a PE (Player Exclusive) sneaker that was created in extremely limited number and gifted to the University of Oregon’s football team players, alumni and staff exclusively. The pair came with removable Velcro Swooshes in yellow, black, green and silver. If you’re hunting a pair of these then be aware they’re not going to be an easy find!

First released in 2018, the AJ3 “Seoul” commemorates the 1988 Summer Olympics that were held in the South Korean capital, where Michael Jordan famously won the Slam Dunk contest. Showcasing a classic white, blue and red colourway (inspired by the South Korean) flag, the pair also featured classic elephant print, Nike Air branding on the heels and the flag embroidered onto the tongues. This pair was also re-released in 2020, allowing more sneakerheads to add these to their collections.

While this wasn’t the first time that Hiroshi Fujiwara’s legendary fragment Design label had joined forces with Jordan Brand, the fragment Design x Air Jordan 3 captured the hearts of sneaker and streetwear fans across the world due to the played-down stylings and attention to detail seen throughout. The monochromatic colour scheme and premium leather is a match made in heaven, while minimalistic fragment branding completes the look. A future classic for sure!

As one of the original 1988 colourways, the Air Jordan 3 “White Cement” was always going to be legendary, but just check how great this colourway actually is?! It’s had plenty of retro releases over the years and remains a firm favoruite for plenty of sneakerheads, and it’s not exactly hard to see why. The clean white base layer is bought to life with hits of red and elephant print, channeling the true spirit of Michael Jordan. A must cop for anyone serious about the AJ3.

Created as part of a wider project between the OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon and Nike in 2010 that allowed children in the hospital to dream up their very own sneaker designs, the AJ3 “Doernbecher” was created by Cole Johanson. It showcases a striking red colourway with a diamond pattern that spells out “COLE”, along with other hidden motifs, including a homage to spaghetti and chocolat, Cole’s two favourite foods. Now incredibly rare, this heartwarming release remains one of the most in-demand AJ3s for collectors.

Another sneaker that respects Tinker Hatfield’s original sketches is the AJ3 JTH “Bio Beige”. Famously worn by Justin Timberlake during halftime at the Super Bowl in front of over 67,000 people, this pair sent the scene into shock as it was previously unseen. Decked out in premium suede and a neutral-hued colourway, premium details and Nike Air branding on the heels elevate these to instant grail status. One of the best to ever do it!

Another OG 1988 colourway, the Air Jordan 3 “Fire Red” is decked out in Chicago Bulls colours, and is without a doubt one of the most desirable colourways of all time. They’ve been retro’d in 2007, 2013 and most recently in 2020 (with the preferred Nike Air logo on the heel tabs). Tumbled leather is utilised across the uppers, giving these a premium feel throughout. The colourway was reignited later on in 1989 when the Air Jordan 4 was unveiled.

Last but certainly not least, it’s only right that we touch on the final original 1988 colourway, the “Black Cement” AJ3! Most recently revived in 2018 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the silhouette, the pair resurfaced with the original Nike Air logo on the heels for the first time ever, making these an instant-cop for plenty of sneakerheads across the world. Black leather makes these the perfect pair for winter too, what’s not to love?!

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