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2025.10.14
CULTURE

The Untold Origin Story of the 'Air Jordan 3': Born From a Groundbreaking Collaboration with a Genius Designer

#Air Jordan
#Air Jordan 3
#Michael Jordan
#Tinker Hatfield
#Nike
#Sneakers
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Released in 1988, three years after the smash hit 'Air Jordan 1,' the 'Air Jordan 3' also marked the first collaboration with legendary designer Tinker Hatfield. To uncover the secret origin story of one of the most beloved models in the series, its unique charm, and how it achieved such immense popularity and influenced the sneaker industry for years to come, we talked to Katsushige Kamamoto, the owner of the K-SKIT sneaker shop.

The Genius of Designer Tinker Hatfield

The 'Air Jordan 3,' released in 1988, was the first model helmed by the man who would later be hailed as a design prodigy. Its development, however, is packed with intriguing behind-the-scenes drama. Kamamoto sheds some light on the situation.
The 'Air Jordan 3' marked the first team-up with Tinker Hatfield. The black colorway is a fan-favorite among the original releases. Pictured here is the fifth retro edition from 2012. Price: 33,000 yen (tax included)
The 'Air Jordan 3' marked the first team-up with Tinker Hatfield. The black colorway is a fan-favorite among the original releases. Pictured here is the fifth retro edition from 2012. Price: 33,000 yen (tax included)
"I saw it in an interview with Tinker Hatfield, but apparently, Michael Jordan himself wasn't thrilled about continuing the Jordan line. He wasn't a fan of the high-top design, and the Italian leather used was too stiff, taking a long time to break in."
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