Air Jordan Release Dates
Michael Jordan recieved his first NBA MVP award during the 87-88 NBA season, wearing the Air Jordan III. He also swept the Slam Dunk competition and led the Bulls to its best performance in the NBA’s standings since the 74-75 season. Original Jordan III (1988) Original Jordan III (1988)
The Air Jordan III was released in 1988, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Totally different from the I’s and II’s, it was the first pair of Air Jordans that had a visible air sole. This was also the first Air Jordan to feature the Jumpman logo instead of the Wings found on the I’s and II’s. One of the most popular AJ’s ever, it was advertised by Spike Lee as “Mars Blackmon”. That commercial followed Air Jordan for a few years and became one of the most appreciated Nike commercials of all time.
The 87-88 season was when Michael would receive his first NBA Most Valuable Player award. He also crushed the competition in the Slam Dunk contest and led the Bull’s to their best result since the 1974-75 season. Well he actually won all the major honors one can think of.
The new shoe was excellent. The design was totally different from the AJ I and II and was the first pair of Air Jordans that showed a visible air sole. Behind it stood Tinker Hatfield who since then have designed every Air Jordan model up to the 15th. This was also the very first Air Jordan to feature the Jumpman logotype instead of the Wings-logo that was on the I’s and II’s.
This might be one of the most popular Air Jordan’s ever. It has won numerous polls when questioning which the greatest sneaker through all times is. Air Jordan fans also freaked out when they retroed this model in 1994. Shoe stores once again had major problems selling them though.
Nike created a personality ad campaign featuring the Mars Blackmon character who was created and played by director/actor Spike Lee. This campaign followed Air Jordan for a couple of years and is definately one of the most appreciated Nike commercial series through all time. Many say that the Air Jordan III was a major reason to the Air Jordan line’s overall success.
Original (1988)
White/Cement Grey
Black/Cement Grey
White/Fire Red
White/Cement Grey-True Blue
Retro (1994)
White/Cement Grey
Black/Cement Grey
Re-Retro (2001-2003)
Black/Cement Grey
Re-Retro +
White/Dark Mocha
White/True Blue
White/Cement Grey-Fire Red
Source:SolePedia
