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

JKR_J, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Uncle aka UnclesFoto, Toronto Canada

Pat Lauder aka quickster, Gilroy, California

kr3st, Orlando, Florida

Dale aka dalazz, Trumbull, Connecticut

Steve Tran, Long Beach, California

FIREPOWER23, England

Raza Kazimi aka Itzraza786, Houston, Texas

Reid Glaze aka ReidSB, Dallas, Texas

Igor PlaiO, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

DrinkNike, Australia

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.