Jordan brand restore it Air Jordan 3 True Blue on July 18, ending a ten-year absence from the release calendar. The 2026 version retains the familiar visual formula of the color. Premium white leather forms the upper, elephant print panels frame the toe and heel, and True Blue details add color to the design. Fire Red accents connect the pair to the established palette of the Air Jordan line. Visible Air cushioning is featured on the sole, giving the shoe one of the defining characteristics of the Air Jordan 3.
SNEAKERS
Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 3, which debuted in 1988. The model marked his first design for Michael Jordan’s signature line and introduced elephant print to the line. Nike also links the shoe to the birth of the Jumpman icon after Michael Jordan wore the model during the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest.
True Blue was part of the original Air Jordan 3 colorway in 1988. Its blue detailing set it apart from the Chicago Bulls-inspired combinations that made up much of Michael Jordan’s footwear at the time. Michael Jordan never wore the colorway in an NBA game during his Bulls career, although he did wear the original shoe during an exhibition tied to the 1988 Olympic trials. He later wore the 2001 retro during his time with the Washington Wizards.
The 2026 launch marks the sixth retail version of the “True Blue” colorway. Jordan Brand previously released the shoe in 1988, 2001, 2009, 2011 and 2016. The 2009 pair was released as a European exclusive. The original 1988 pair and 2016 retro featured Nike Air branding on the heel, and the 2026 version restores that detail in OG style.
This ten year gap gives the new edition a direct connection to the last edition. The current pair returns during a time when Jordan Brand continues to revisit the original Air Jordan 3 colorways. The design keeps its most recognizable elements intact: white leather, gray elephant print, True Blue detailing, Fire Red accents and visible Air under the heel.
Premium leather construction gives the upper a structured finish and elephant print adds texture around the lower sections. Blue detailing provides the main color contrast of the pair, while Fire Red brings a smaller accent that ties in with Jordan Brand’s signature colors. The visible air unit supports shock absorption and keeps the design connected to the technical identity established by Tinker Hatfield in 1988.
Nike will release the Air Jordan 3 True Blue in a full family size via SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers on July 18th. The adult version costs $230. Big Kids’, Little Kids’ and Toddler editions cost $155, $95 and $80.
Name: Air Jordan 3 True Blue
Colorways: White/True Blue-Red of Fire
SKU: IF4396-104
Price: 230 USD
Release date: July 18
Available in: Nike and select retailers
