Air Jordan 3 “Wizards” Will Hit the Shelves 22 Years After Debut
At 38, Jordan was far removed from his prime, naturally. But his Air Jordan line will forever be in theirs.
[Update 25 May 2023] Following its release earlier in April, the Nike Air Jordan 3 “Wizards” will finally make its way to Japan on 6 June. The sneaker will also release in full family sizing, at a retail price of 25,300JPY (~US$181).
[Update 3 April 2023] We’ve been treated to a whole selection of early leaks throughout the past few months, but this next update might the biggest one yet. Retail images of the upcoming Nike Air Jordan 3 “Wizards” have finally surfaced, via Finish Line. This point towards some extra evidence behind its 29 April drop date. Take a gander via the top slider above and stay tuned for more news about this exciting drop!
[Update 21 Feb 2023] The hype train has been gradually picking up speed with every new photo. None have been released by Jordan Brand but those by the variety of sources have done more than enough to whet appetites. The latest found on @zsneakerheadz‘s IG offer for the first time a look at the special packaging. It’s far from a generic release with the box apropos to the design of the shoe. It’s blue on 2/3 of it with the final third made up of the signature elephant skin motif. Official images should arrive imminently with the release date getting closer by the day.
[Update 31 Jan 2023] More images have arrived of the rare pair of Air Jordans. New campaign images were shared today via @zsneakerheadz as well as a set of closeups by @chriscolgan.
[Update 7 Dec 2022] A live look at the titular shoe have been shared by @chriscolgan. Compared to previous images shared, this new set gives a detailed look at the design of the outsole underfoot. White can be found on the midfoot anchoring the vachetta tan panel of the “JORDAN” branding. The color visible on the forefoot spherical traction pad as well, with all the aforementioned details framed in grey. The tumbled leather upper is also more vivid alongside other components adorned.
[Update 24 Nov 2022] New on-feet photos have surfaced for the Air Jordan 3 “Wizards”, courtesy of @yankeekicks. Even with a more detailed and angular look, for many, it’d be like preaching to the choir. The Air Jordan 3 is already a highly-coveted, classic silhouette and pairing it with the Wizards blue is a formula for a perfect storm. Everyone will be keeping a weather eye on it.
[Update 13 Sep 2022] Part of what makes a shoe so desirable, so highly-coveted, is the legacy, the history that’s embedded into it. Even if the Air Jordan 3 has had a plethora of creative iterations since its inception, this “Wizards” colorway was part of an iconic moment in history: Michael Jordan’s return from his second retirement.
News of other Jordan retro releases planned for next year surfaced last week and for those who’d started holding their breath for them, you can breathe easier now. A release date has been scheduled for April 29th next year. There’s no other information as of yet about where they’ll be sold or worse, if they’ll be produced in a limited number. Nevertheless, we’ll get word to you once it gets to us.
Michael Jordan’s two seasons with the Wizards were divisive. Some considered it a smudge on his legendary NBA career, negating the photo finish of “The Last Shot” against the Utah Jazz 3 years earlier; and some were just grateful for another chance to see the GOAT play again in the flesh.
By the time he came out of his second retirement, he was in his own plateau. At 38, there was no metric to measure him against since he was clearly past his prime but all things considered, he was still averaging greater numbers than rookies 18 years his junior.
Whichever side of the fence you’re on, his time in a navy and bronze jersey was still a momentous part of basketball history, separate from the “perfect” career he had with the Bulls, more an epilogue than another chapter. Memorabilia from those two years hold as much value for its short stint and rarity, as it did compared to the illustrious 13 seasons playing for the Windy City.
The Air Jordan 3 he wore in the 2001 season was a holy grail to the most long-time and ardent collectors. But next summer, 22 years after its debut, the “Wizards” colorway will finally be available on retail.
The sneaker is basically dressed in the previously-released “True Blue” colorway, save for the red accents on the shoe. They’ll instead be swapped with bronze, to match the Wizards’s blue, particularly the Jumpman on the tongue and include the OG “Nike Air” heel tab.
There’s no official release date yet aside from an estimated summer 2023. They’re expected to go for US$210 on retail. New information will eventually surface and count that you’ll get the update.
As retro releases continue to thrive, the Jordan Brand has also worked on a all-new silhouette. Check out the Jordan Granville Pro “Rattan”.