Air Jordan 3 Retro '88 - Official Details

Find out everything you need to know about this afternoon's limited online launch of the Air Jordan 3 Retro '88 celebrating the 25th anniversary of MJ's famed '88 Dunk Contest free throw slam.

words // Luis Sanchez

Find out everything you need to know about this afternoon's limited online launch of the Air Jordan 3 Retro '88 celebrating the 25th anniversary of MJ's famed '88 Dunk Contest free throw slam.

Originally introduced back in 1988, the Air Jordan III made its mark in history as MJ took flight in the '88 Slam Dunk Contest wearing the iconic White/Cement Grey colorway. The Air Jordan 3 Retro returns nearly identical to their original release, complete with a full leather build, elephant print detailing and Nike Air branding on both the heel and sockliners. 

The Air Jordan 3 Retro '88 is scheduled to release this afternoon via Twitter link only at 1:51 PST / 3:51 CST / 4:51 EST on NikeStore. Be sure to follow @NikeStore on Twitter for the official release link.

Official release details from Jordan Brand can be seen below:

Via Press Release:

No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings. – William Blake

February 6, 1988. A chilly winter day gave way to an electric atmosphere inside the Chicago stadium during the annual competition celebrating basketball’s best. Coming off of a victory in a 1987 slam dunk championship, Michael Jordan took the floor looking to defend his title in a crisp pair of Air Jordan 3 White/Black-Cement.

Featuring full-grain leather uppers, a visible Nike Air unit and the unmistakable elephant print, the Air Jordan 3 was destined to become a classic. The legend of the shoe grew that night as MJ showcased vicious dunks and aerial artistry while demonstrating some serious—very serious—hang time.

Jordan punctuated the end of the contest with a dunk for the ages. Sprinting across the floor, Jordan took off from the free throw line and elevated at 3:51 pm local time. Frozen in time, the image of Jordan soaring through the air would be cemented in dunk contest lore.

A 50-point perfect score was awarded, and—with the trophy raised above his head and Air Jordan 3s on his feet—Michael Jordan was met with a standing ovation from the home crowd. Now your chance to own the legendary Air Jordan 3 is coming. Releasing on Nike.com February 6, 2013 at 4:51pm EST, relive the moment that is forever frozen in time.

Air Jordan 3 Retro ’88

Price: $200

Sizes: 8-12, 13, 14

Limit 1 per customer

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