The Air Jordan III ‘True Blue’

The Air Jordan III ‘True Blue’

The Air Jordan III Retro ‘True Blue’ is returning. Back from its 1988 original Air Jordan debut. It has not been available in retro form in 10 years.

Learn more about the ‘True Blue’ below.

The History Of The III

The Air Jordan III is the shoe that defined so much of the brand’s innovation. The first two Air Jordan sneakers have parallels to other basketball shoes that were released in the era. The Air Jordan III broke the mold in terms of what a basketball sneaker could be.

The III

The Air Jordan III is one of the most popular Air Jordan models from Jordan Brand. Tinker Hatfield got his start with the Jordan franchise by designing the Air Jordan III. Hatfield’s genius helped to shape the direction of Jordan Brand.

Tinker and Michael Jordan discussed what MJ wanted to see with the Jordan III during the design process. Michael made it clear that he wanted a lighter and sleeker shoe than the Jordan I & II.

The Mid Top design of the III was the first for the line and the first for basketball shoe.

Another first was the appearance of the now iconic Jumpman logo on the back of the shoe. It is hard to imagine the franchise without that famous logo, the III introduced the Jumpman to the world. The III also introduced beloved elements like elephant print and a visible air unit to the Air Jordan line. Those elements are considered iconic pieces of the franchise today.

A True Blue Return

The 2026 version of the True Blue is very true to the original. The elephant print is of course back. There white leather and blue splashes are back as well.

The True Blue hits on the sockliner, upper lace loops and midsole. There is Nike branding on the heel and a white leather upper.

Shoe Palace

The Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘True Blue’ will release July 18, 2026, at Shoe Palace stores.