Jordan 3 Retro Varsity Royal 2020
Considered one of the most recognized trainers of all time, the Air Jordan 3 introduced many firsts for the brand. First and foremost, Michael Jordan's third signature trainer 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 trainer 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 Happened
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 USD per year, plus royalties, for a total estimated value of 7M USD. 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 fulfil 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 Varsity Royal 2020
The Jordan 3 Retro Varsity Royal, released on October 10, 2020, features tumbled leather and perforated leather inserts. Blue, cement grey, black, and white make up the colourway. Elephant print touches the tip and heel of the shoes. The midsoles are white with black wrapping around the heel. Cement grey outsoles complement the look. A modified circular traction pattern on the outsoles provides grip for the trainers. The shoes also feature an injected TPR heel counter, a changeable lacing system, and removable Durapontex sock liners. Max Air is set up in the heels, and encapsulated Air units are in the forefoot for cushioning.
