Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘True Blue’ IF4396-104

It’s official: the Air Jordan 3 Retro True Blue will return this month for the first time in a decade.

One of four original Air Jordan 3 colorways, the True Blue style has been reissued on numerous occasions, but it hasn’t been seen at retail since November of 2016. After an early look at a grade school pair, Nike’s official e-commerce images offer the best look yet at the upcoming release.

With an all-white leather upper, the sneaker gets its nickname from its soft blue accents throughout the design, including on its OG-style Nike Air-branded heel logo. Red details add contrast, while the Air Jordan 3’s signature elephant print appears not only at the heel and toe, but throughout the midsection of the eyelets, a detail which was unique to the True Blue colorway.

The True Blue makeup was first released in 1988, making it one of four original Air Jordan 3s alongside the Black Cement, White Cement and Fire Red styles. Since its ’88 debut, the sneaker was reissued first in 2001 and again in 2009 as an international exclusive with quick follow-up rereleases in 2011 and 2016. Now, after a decade in the vault, the True Blue look will return again this month.

And while Michael Jordan frequently wore the Fire Red and White Cement Air Jordan 3s and wore the Black Cement during the ’88 NBA All-Star Game, the True Blue’s on-court legacy is less notable, particularly during the style’s original run. It was worn by Jordan during an Olympic exhibition pitting Jordan and other NBA stars against Team USA. He would later lace up the sneaker’s first reissue during his stint with the Washington Wizards.

Also arriving this month is a baseball cleat version of the classic colorway. The Air Jordan 3 MCS True Blue will be released July 14 for $205. 

The Air Jordan 3 Retro True Blue will be released in full family sizing on July 18 at 10 a.m. ET from Nike’s Snkrs app with availability from global Jordan Brand retailers. Men’s sizes (style code IF4396-104) retail for $230, with grade school at $155, preschool at $95 and toddler sizes priced at $75.