To welcome in the new year, we are introducing a new series- titled Explore the Lore. Through this series, we will highlight new sneaker releases by going back and discovering the history of the sneaker in conversation. Through this series, we hope to learn more about why these sneakers are so important to sneaker history.
What better way to begin this series than with the first big weekend release from Jordan Brand- the Black Cat Air Jordan 3.
The Nickname that Spawned the Legacy:
Though the exact originator is unknown, it has become a common tale that players within the NBA began calling Michael Jordan a “Black Cat” for his ferocity and agility on the court. Jordan is known for being the unstoppable force on the court- and players in the league felt it easy to compare him to the top of the food chain.
A Sneaker to Commemorate his Presence:
Tinker Hatfield and Michael Jordan took this nickname in stride when creating one of the pivotal sneakers from Jordan’s second run with the Chicago Bulls. The Air Jordan 13 was designed by Tinker with that Black Cat moniker in mind. That shoe, of course, was the last Air Jordan model to release while Jordan was a Bulls player. Though it’s legacy cemented a second Three-Peat for the Bulls, it also planted the seeds for some of the most iconic Non-OG retroes of all time.
The Fan Favorite gets the Black Cat Treatment:
In 2006 Jordan Brand released an all black Air Jordan 4. The pair was dressed in all black nubuck and was only broken from that motif by a few grey accents. The pair, naturally, was dubbed the Black Cat Air Jordan 4. In the era where Non-OG retroes began taking command of the Air Jordan fan’s headspace, the Black Cat 4 grabbed everyone’s attention. The 2020 retro of this sneaker ultimately became one of the most beloved sneakers of the 2020 sneaker boom.
The Arrival of the Black Cat 3:
A year after releasing the Black Cat 4, after the success of the Air Jordan 4, Nike and Jordan Brand revisited the Black Cat moniker with the Air Jordan 3. This sneaker followed similar ideas to its predecessor. That said, it also introduced a new twist by adding the now infamous black cat shoe laces to break up all of the black nubuck. Much like the Black Cat Air Jordan 4, the Black Cat 3 became a quick hit. Pictured below is a look at the original 2007 release.
There’s Always Two Sides to Every Story:
The 2006 Black Cat Air Jordan 4 did not make its introduction to the sneaker-world alone. That same day, Jordan Brand released a complimentary Pure Money Air Jordan 4. The shoe was, of course, the complete opposite of the Black Cats and was dressed in an all white leather, with silver accents throughout. In 2007, it was actually the Pure Money Air Jordan 3 that debuted first. Arriving in the familiar White and Silver colors and of course featuring the white cat laces.
Making a Return…. for the First Time:
The Black Cat Air Jordan 3 will return on January 11th , 2025. This will be the first time the NON-OG classic makes it’s return in retro form. With the Pure Money Air Jordan 3 rumored to make a return later this year. This will be a great opportunity to begin collecting the set.
The Black Cat Air Jordan 3 will be available via SNKRS and Nike.com as well as other Nike retailers.
