The Air Jordan 3 Returns to Cool Grey in 2007
Considered one of the most recognized sneakers of all time, the Air Jordan 3 introduced many firsts for the brand. First and foremost, Michael Jordan's third signature sneaker introduced the now-revered Jumpman logo—a silhouette of His Airness leaping through the air mid-dunk—that replaced the popular Wings logo found on the Jordan 1 and 2. It was a brand he could call his own, and a major selling point in his contract renewal with Nike.
The Air Jordan 3 also enlisted a new designer, Tinker Hatfield, already esteemed in the sneaker world and now considered a legend. Hatfield had designed the Air Max 1 and Air Trainer 1, so the introduction of visible Air technology into the Jordan line was a no-brainer. Hatfield worked closely with MJ to incorporate the superstar's vision into the designs. In addition to the Jumpman logo and visible Air, the Jordan 3 also introduced an eye-catching elephant skin print, softer leather and a mid-cut height—moving away from the then-trendy high-top style. The overall design borrows design elements from its famous predecessors, the Air Jordan 1 and 2.
How the Air Jordan III Almost Never Happen
There's the famous story of Michael Jordan almost signing with another brand, and then there's this one—where MJ almost ended his partnership with Nike. Jordan's original five-year deal with Nike yielded $500,000 per year, plus royalties, for a total estimated value of $7M. An early career injury in the Air Jordan 1—a broken foot—caused him to miss much of the '85-86 season and lose trust in Nike's ability to fulfill their promises. Jordan was looking for an out.
The meeting to present the new Air Jordan 3 was a make-or-break situation for the Nike x Jordan deal.
Tinker Hatfield played a significant role in keeping Michael on board, continually advocating for and protecting MJ's input in the design process. At a crucial meeting—the unveiling of the new Air Jordan 3 design—the Nike team reportedly waited four hours for Jordan to show up. It turns out he'd been on the golf course with new prospective partners. When MJ finally arrived, Hatfield knocked his socks off with the Air Jordan 3 prototype and an apparel line. And though it was Hatfield who saved the deal, Jordan's parents also influenced his decision, reportedly telling him that his actions were "embarrassing", recalling the influence they had on their son when he signed with the brand in the first place.
Jordan 3 Retro Cool Grey 2007
The Air Jordan 3 silhouette found its Cool Grey roots in 2007 with this Retro colorway release. The sneaker follows a predominately Cool Grey color scheme, which coats the premium leather upper. An elephant print pattern paints the toe and heel overlays in light and darker grey hues. A dash of Sport Red comes into play on the sneaker's Jordan Brand Jumpman logos, which are woven into the padded tongue and the heel. Another Sport Red logo appears on the outer sole, where the word "JORDAN" is stamped into the bottom heel. Orange peel textured accents are visible on the front of this shoe in the way of the eyestays and bottom eyelets. Orange Peel texture also coats the word "AIR" on each heel.
