The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG World's Best Dad Celebrates Father's Day

Published April 30, 2026 at 2:30 PM

Quick Facts

The pair serves as a nod to Jordan’s NBA Finals win over the Seattle SuperSonics, his emotional outpour after the game, and most importantly, his dad
In place of the silhouette’s usual elephant print overlays, the Air Jordan 3 Retro OG World’s Best Dad interpolates the brown pattern found on the carpet at Key Arena
Releases May 16, 2026 in full-family sizing

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The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG World’s Best Dad honors the GOAT and the GOATed fathers. With Father’s Day on the horizon, official images of the sneaker have arrived. The colorway serves as a nod to Michael Jordan’s NBA Finals win over the Seattle SuperSonics, his emotional outpour after the game, and most importantly, his dad. MJ's father, James Jordan Sr., tragically passed away in 1993, which led in part to Michael’s first retirement. The 1995-1996 season marked the Chicago Bulls’ return to the mountaintop and the first Finals win for Michael without his father at his side.

Fittingly, the decisive Game 6 of the NBA Finals fell on Father’s Day, and though Jordan had a rough shooting night, he was able to lead the Bulls to victory. After capturing his fourth title and Finals MVP, Jordan was overcome with emotion and broke down crying while clutching the game ball.

In a 1998 interview with Ahmad Rashad, Jordan credited his father’s spiritual presence as a key to the victory, “It was a signal to some degree that he was supporting me. I hadn’t performed without his guidance. But I knew (at) this important time, he was with me,” the 6x Finals MVP said. “To end on Father’s Day was very, very special. And there were certain emotions I couldn’t really control because I couldn’t really enjoy it with the person who I felt influenced it all.”

The paternal pair starts off with a clean white leather upper and black accents on the eyestays, suede tongue, ankle collar, mudguard, and Nike Air branding on the heel. In place of the silhouette’s usual elephant print overlays, the Air Jordan 3 Retro OG World’s Best Dad interpolates the brown pattern found on the carpet at Key Arena, where MJ fell to the ground with heavy emotions after beating the Sonics. Hints of red pop up on the Jumpman on the tongue, eyelets, and translucent red outsole. “World’s Best” can be found embroidered under the tongue in gold as a message for all the Hall of Fame dads lacing them up for the game of life.

The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG World’s Best Dad drops on May 16, 2026 via Nike and select retailers. Available in full-family sizing, the retail price is set at $215 (men), $155 (GS), $95 (PS), and $80 (TD). For all the latest Jordan news and release information, download the Sole Retriever app.