words // Brandon Richard
This year marks the 23rd Anniversary of the Air Jordan III, the Michael Jordan signature sneaker that introduced the world to the Jumpman logo and changed athletic footwear forever. Iconic sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield took over Jordan shoes by dropping the cut of the shoe, mixing in groundbreaking elephant print detailing and added visible Air cushioning in the heel of the shoe. The Air Jordan III is solely responsible for making Nike the brand we know it as today. Back in 1988, a frustrated Michael Jordan planned on leaving Nike before being introduced to Tinker and the Air Jordan III. Not only did the III bring Michael back in the fold, but it spawned the greatest signature line that we’ll probably ever see and what has become known as the Jordan Brand.
Colorways like the black and white “Cements” and “Fire Reds” stand out because MJ wore them on the court to create the memories that define his legacy, but the “True Blue” III has remained a favorite amongst sneaker collectors over the year as well. The shoe pairs white tumbled leather with cement grey elephant print on the upper and compliments the look with True Blue accenting and red branding. Retro versions of the “True Blues” were released in 2001 when Michael finally wore the shoe on the court as a member of the Washington Wizards and in 2009 as a European exclusive. Tonight, the popular colorway is back – and you can grab your pair here at Eastbay.
While we’re counting down to the official release at midnight, let’s take a look at some “True Blue” Jordan III photography submitted by members of the Sole Collector forums and sneakerheads from around the world. Leave your feedback in the comment section below and check back tonight to pick up a pair of your own.
BryantDIGITAL, Lansing, Michigan
Uncle aka UnclesFoto, Toronto Canada
Pat Lauder aka quickster, Gilroy, California
kr3st, Orlando, Florida
Dale aka dalazz, Trumbull, Connecticut
Steve Tran, Long Beach, California
Raza Kazimi aka Itzraza786, Houston, Texas
Reid Glaze aka ReidSB, Dallas, Texas
Igor PlaiO, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Dee Felix aka NikeDee, Atlanta, Georgia
dias954, Broward, Florida
Rhay Garrett aka ToMbZ , Denver, Colorado
David Jones aka DJ-47, Miami, Florida
Ryan Ramkissoon aka Ryan., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
If you’re interested in submitting your photos for Sole Shots, e-mail us at eastbaysoleshots@solecollector.com. Please include your name and location with your submissions. You also have the option of providing us with a link to your online photo album or website to link back to when we post your work. You do not have to be a registered member of Sole Collector to participate.
Going to go out and get my third pair. So hot!
I’m grabbing two pair … Wish I had the $$$ and closet space for three!
PHENOMENAL PHOTOGRAPHY EVERYONE!
That shoe LOOKS so GOOD! To bad Jordan Brand learned how to “fake” tumbled leather on them and use that other crummy junk on the upper! That quality is NOT getting my $150… but it sure “looks” good!
the pics r great if i don’t get them at 12 tonight i’ll be at champs as soon as i get up