The Air Jordan 3 is set to get a new but familiar colorway in August.
The Air Jordan 3 “Cement Grey” features a white, grey and red arrangement that bears a strong resemblance to the original “White Cement” colorway. White leather forms the shoe’s upper, while the signature elephant print paneling is rendered in a darker shade while expanding to include the eyestay. Grey then forms the heel stabilizer and outsole with a white midsole sandwiched between. A red Jumpman logo is embroidered onto the tongue, and the heel’s Jumpman Air mark is rendered in grey.
Although it isn’t a one-to-one copy, “Cement Grey” is essentially to “White Cement” what this year’s earlier last year’s “Midnight Navy” colorway was to another OG colorway in “True Blue.”
First released in 1988, the Air Jordan 3 was the first of Michael Jordan’s sneakers to be designed by Tinker Hatfield and is credited with helping to convince him to stay with Nike after the end of his initial three-year contract. The Jumpman logo was introduced through the sneaker, and it was also the first to make use of a visible Air unit, which Hatfield pioneered with the Air Max 1. After incorporating ostrich print in the Air Safari a year prior, the designer featured elephant print on the Air Jordan 3 for another unexpected look.
The Air Jordan 3 has been one of the focal points for Jordan Brand in 2023, as several new colorways have been added, including a celebrated collaboration with Nina Chanel Abney, and the highly anticipated return of “Black Cement” is scheduled for November.
The Air Jordan 3 “Grey Cement” will release August 31 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Full family sizing will be available, with men’s pairs priced at $200.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
