Tinker Hatfield’s Air Jordan 3 is one of the most celebrated Jumpman shoes of all time as it has a storied history within Nike. It is the shoe that convinced Michael Jordan to stay with Nike long-term, as he was looking to leave the brand for Adidas. The Jordan 3 has received a ton of great colorways over the past few years, and as we approach 2022, it is looking like the brand has big plans for one of its flagship silhouettes.
Not to be confused with the patchwork-constructed, camouflage-laden pair that was confirmed for Jordan Brand’s Holiday 2021 collection, the newly-surfaced pair is believed to follow a an original “Black Cement” color-blocking. Smooth and tumbled leather are rumored to make up the bulk of the shoes’ upper, while Tinker Hatfield’s iconic elephant print reprises its inaugural role around the toe and heel. Instead of a light grey, however, the upcoming Jordans don a sandy “Desert” tone at the animal-inspired components. When paired with the tongue, collar lining and tread of the same color, the latest iteration of Hatfield’s first design for Michael Jordan sports an “aged” look. Retail versions of the sneaker will likely look different from the early sketches featured here, but a manufactured vintage aesthetic wouldn’t be too outside of the realm of possibility. Heels will likely don a Jumpman logo, but “NIKE AIR” branding would further play into the “aged Black Cements” moniker this Jordan 3 has already begun receiving.
This new offering mirrors the iconic “Black Cement” colorway that first graced the Jordan 3 back in 1988. The big difference here is the fact that the elephant print overlays are a light brown color, as opposed to grey. This gives the shoe more of an aged look, although if you are a casual sneaker consumer then it might be hard to rationalize the very minute differences here.
Despite handfuls of remaining Air Jordan releases in 2021, the rumor mill has begun churning with details and mock-ups of what to expect from #23’s signature sneaker line in 2022.
