First released in 1988, the original Air Jordan III changed the trajectory of MJ’s signature sneaker line just in time for his statement-making ’88 season. Using exotic prints and a visible air unit for the first time in an Air Jordan, MJ won his first league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year wearing the AJ III. That season wasn’t without its challenges though. Emerging contenders pushed MJ, and he responded in full force.

Wrapped in white tumbled leather with classic AJ III color blocking, the new colorway subtly nods to MJ’s heated matchups against his rivals in orange and blue. On one occasion, MJ was more than competitive. Inside the tongue, a tag bearing the date 04/08/88 is present, commemorating his 40-point performance in a win over one of MJ’s biggest rivals that season. With the latest AJ III, one of his finest acts is memorialized.