In July 2001 during the first retro run of the Air Jordan 3 (not counting the ‘94 releases), the “Black Cement” pair was the last OG colorway to feature “Nike Air” branding. By November when the AJ 3 Retro “True Blue” would return, all original branding had been replaced by Jumpman insignia, a trend that would continue until 2013 when JB and the Swoosh would partner up to “remaster” classic Air Jordans in their original form.
From 2013 to the present, “Nike Air” branding has been featured on various Air Jordan’s, mainly original colorways. When it comes to the Air Jordan 3 Retro, all four OGs have been blessed with “Nike Air” branding but with a twist. The Air Jordan 3 Retro “White Cement” has come back three times with OG branding, first in 2013 as a limited ‘88 edition then in 2018 with a full translucent icy outsole. Finally, JTH or Tinker editions of both the “White Cement” and “Fire Red” AJ 3s were released in 2018 as well, but neither pair were truly in their 100% original form.
Outside of the limited Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘88 release in February 2013, neither the “White Cement” or “Fire Red” Air Jordan 3 have been released as GR’s with original “Nike Air” branding. Thankfully in 2022 that is about to change. For the Fall, Jordan Brand is set to bring back the Air Jordan 3 Retro “Fire Red” in all its OG glory. Featuring original 1988 specs, the Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “Fire Red” comes in white, fire red, cement grey and black. Sporting a white-based leather upper with fire red and cement grey accents, black elephant print detailing and original “Nike Air” branding on the back heel tab, insoles and bottom of the outsole.
The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG Fire Red was originally set to release in August 2022. After a short delay, they will now release on September 10th. It will launch at Nike as well as select Jordan Brand retailers in-store and online. They will be available in full-family sizing, from men down to toddler. Coming in OG-style packaging, men’s pairs will retail for $210. Keep it locked to our Twitter and Mobile App to stay up to date on this release as it gets closer.
Air Jordan 3 Retro OG "Fire Red"
Images via Nike
Images via beechkicks_
Images via sneakaheadz23
Images via thefreshsince81_
Image via StockX
Image via Heritage Auctions
Images via NikeTalk
Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
