A Look Back at an Iconic Shoe

The Air Jordan 3 Cement has been in a league of its own since it was released in 1988. Thanks to its classic design, specks of black on the midsole, and a cement speckle paint job, this coveted model is hailed as one that puts sneakers on the map.

The sneaker has a cement motif and a unique colorway that has since become iconic among Jordans' enthusiasts. It combines fashion with function, aesthetics with exclusivity, and looks legitimately good no matter how your style varies daily. While the Air Jordan 3 Cement is no longer in production, you can still get your hands on them by tracking down a pair on eBay.

History of the Jordan 3 Cement

Footwear and fashion have been around since the advent of history. However, the line between those two industries has always been blurred. It has taken years for various sneaker styles to evolve and become popular. Sometime in the late 1980s, many companies tried to make their sneakers more technologically advanced by adding flashy colors, holograms, and lacing systems that were beyond common sense. Instead of appreciating the advancements made in sneaker technology, people began to criticize them.

To combat this issue, Nike Sportswear introduced its newest footwear innovation in 1988. They were going to fuse the technological advancements made in their sneakers with the beauty and nostalgia associated with the Jordan line by introducing the Air Jordan 3 Cement. This specific shoe has a unique story that includes nearly every major historical sports event, from Michael Jordan's first game back in 1987 to LeBron James and Kobe Bryant playing an epic match. Cement 3s are among the most memorable sports shoes ever.

The original Air Jordan 3 Cement is known for its combination of technology and fashion. While the shoe was revolutionary and technologically efficient compared to the competition, its only real innovation was its vulcanized rubber sole, the soft full-grain leather, the elephant print, and the logo on the tongue, which was a first for Jordan.

Subtle Yet Futuristic Design

The Air Jordan 3 Cement was widely accepted and popular among footwear collectors. It became so popular that it eventually transformed one of the most valuable sneakers of all time. The shoe's popularity can be attributed to its athletic design, which gave it a sleek look and set it apart from its competition. In addition to this unique design, the durability and longevity of the sneaker ensured that it would last a long time, making this a sign of cultural relevance.

These retro basketball shoes also have an ankle collar and a padded tongue and lining that ensures your feet feel as comfortable as possible during wear. The insole has a Nike Air heel unit, which is great for comfort and keeps your feet firmly secured. While Air Jordans were revolutionary footwear designs, they were not created to be better alternatives to other popular sneakers in the market. They offered an alternative that people would want to wear on their feet. Even though the sneakers are marketed towards everyday people and not professional athletes, they had an aura that made people feel like they were elite. This aura would eventually set these sneakers apart from the rest of their competition.

What Makes a Great Sneaker So Great?

There are so many aspects to a sneaker that it can be easy to forget that the one reason a sneaker is classic is because of its construction. Here are some details that make Jordan 3s so timeless.

Comfort

They are very light, with a breathable mesh top that keeps your feet cool and a padded ankle collar that protects against twisting. The material is durable and soft enough to feel like you're wearing socks. Making these shoes even better is that they feature an auto-lacing system on the left shoe that tightens up or loosens as needed to make sure they feel comfortable. They are great for athletes of all experience levels who need shoes with lightweight comfort and traditional styling.

Durability

The Air Jordan is highly durable with a premium leather upper, rubber outsole, and reinforced toe. It ensures that the designer kicks stand up to the excessive wear and tear that the wearer may cause. It also features sturdy stitching and craftsmanship.

Artistic Appeal

The Air Jordan 3 Cement design was highly anticipated and released to be a crowd-pleaser. The shoe appears to be a classic colorway from the original but with a twist. The shoe includes red, black, and white with hints of ice blue and silver etched into the wolf gray upper for the artistic appeal on an already beautiful sneaker.

Artist Collaborations

After Jordan's retirement, other artists like Spike Lee started creating commercials and music videos that featured the sneakers instead of the athlete. It allowed Nike to market their shoes to a new audience who may not have been able to afford them otherwise or even heard of them before.

Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, owners of the 23XI racing team, commissioned a graffiti artist to paint a three-dimensional mural on a race car designed to make onlookers feel as if they are looking at an actual cement 3s. The paint job was directly inspired by the Jordan shoe design. This collaboration came about because Kurt Busch is sponsored by Air Jordan and also drives for Penske Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

In honor of the NBA All-Star Weekend, Interscope Records and Jordan Brand created a limited-edition Air Jordan 3 shoe. The result was a combination of iconic design elements from each company. They complement each other with classic-like colorways, and the sneakers display the Interscope name and logo on the laces and heel.

Available Models

Nike continues to produce high-quality retro Jordans that satisfy the demand of those looking for an authentic vintage-style product.

The Women's Air Jordan 3 "Black Cement Gold"

This sneaker is specifically designed for women, and its design helps you stand out with its unique colorway. The Women's Air Jordan 3 "Black Cement Gold" colorway is an exclusive edition. This shoe version features a black upper, gray midsole, and gold accents on the top tongue and the side logo. Step into the shoes, and you will find a contrasting white Nike Swoosh, branding on the right heel counter, a black rubber outsole, replacement cushioned insoles, and of course, a sewn-in ankle strap. The pair is available on eBay.

Air Jordan 3 Retro White Cement

This is an iconic pair of shoes with a classic appeal essential for your sneaker collection! You will appreciate that it's timeless, iconic, futuristic, and just good-looking. The all-white color has a subtle tone, creating a perfect contrast between the white and red; it's a great alternative if you're looking to switch up your usual style. The fire-red detail is the epitome of cool. It also features a new dual-resilient foam construction that gives you plenty of support. Not to mention the solid rubber outsole that gives excellent grip for better performance and a unique design that is perfect for any style of play. Get your hands on the latest addition to the Air Jordan 3 family today via eBay.

Upcoming Models

The legendary Air Jordan 3 Cement was originally released in the late 1980s and is the one of the only Air Jordan models yet to see a retro release. It has been over three decades since its last release, with many claiming that it will never return. However, recent reports have surfaced from credible sources claiming that this classic colorway of the Cement 3s is making its long-awaited comeback in 2023.

The Air Jordan 3 Reimagined "White Cement"

However, if this report is true, the White Cement 3 will again sport white-based build materials and elephant print panels to coincide with the original release. What's interesting is that it will feature a full Air unit on the midsole and heel. The Jumpman logo and additional engraved text will also be found on the medial side of the shoe. The cement 3s will also be brought back onto the heels through embossing instead of an actual decal, adding to that vintage feel.

The return of these shoes is a momentous occasion for sneakerheads. Keep an eye out for your favorite sneaker on eBay.