The creator of the cutting-edge Air Max 1, Hatfield brought a boundary-pushing outside perspective to sneaker design. If anyone could impress the GOAT with a design, it was him with the Jordan 3.
Educated & Animated
Hatfield immediately sat down with MJ and asked him what he wanted to see in the Air Jordan III. Jordan told Hatfield that the Jordan 3 shoe needed to strike a balance between the on-court dominance of the Jordan I and the luxurious flair of the Jordan II, describing himself and his brand as “educated and animated.”
Right off the bat, MJ told Hatfield that he wanted a shoe that felt broken in as soon as it was worn for the first time. The tumbled leather used in the Jordan III was comfortable and adaptable, balancing a high-class look with excellent performance.
As a whole, Hatfield wanted every aspect of the Jordan III to be innovative and boundary breaking. The Jordan III was the first Jordan shoe to feature a visible Air unit, adding a hint of technological prowess to a shoe that outwardly focused on luxury. The now-iconic elephant print that wrapped around the toe and heel of the Jordan III gave the shoe an exotic touch, providing a fierce look that intimidated foes on the court and turned heads on the street.
Perhaps most importantly of all, Hatfield put the Jordan logo front and center on the tongue, cementing the logo as a symbol of greatness for decades to come.
Jordan was immensely impressed with Hatfield and the Jordan III, re-signing with Nike in a partnership that (obviously) continues to this day.
It’s Gotta Be the Jordan Retro 3 Shoes
The Jordan III, later re-released as the Jordan Retro 3, has become one of the most popular and beloved Jordan models of all time. From the endlessly quotable commercials with Mars Blackmon, to the shoe’s dunk contest and all-star appearances, the Retro 3 will forever be a shoe associated with confidence, excellence, and a daring willingness to innovate.
The Jordan Retro 3 has received countless collaborations and re-releases and remains just as integral to sneaker culture today as it was when it first dropped 30 years ago. Now available in men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizing, alongside lines of signature Retro 3 apparel, the iconic elephant-clad shoe doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
