Air Jordan 3 Sizing, Fit and Comfort Guide

There are many reasons why the Air Jordan 3 is considered by some to be the best Jordan sneaker of all time. In our opinion, it’s because the Jordan 3, the first model in the Air Jordan line designed by Tinker Hatfield, kept Michael Jordan from jumping ship and leaving Nike. The story goes that MJ was unhappy with the Air Jordan 2, and he was strongly considering finding a new sneaker deal. But once Tinker and Nike showed Jordan the AJ 3, he fell in love. The rest, as they say, is history.

Originally introduced during Jordan’s third season in the NBA, 1988, the Air Jordan 3 still gets regular releases to this day, though that wasn’t always the case. Following the initial run, the shoe would be shelved until the first round of retros in 1994 . But surprisingly, the shoe wasn’t a smash hit on its second go-around. The model would go on sale, and this happened once again in 2001 during its second retro run. Following another round of retros in 2003, the sneaker became a near-permanent part of the Jordan Brand release calendar.

But before you run out to cop yourself a pair of Air Jordan 3s, you’ll want to know how they fit. Follow along with our Air Jordan 3 sizing guide to get sizing info on the Jordan 3 and all your questions on the sneaker answered.

Do Air Jordan 3s Run True to Size?

Like most Air Jordan sneakers, the Air Jordan 3 does fit true to size. You’ll be fine getting the Jordan 3 in the same size as most other sneakers. While there are slight variations in pairs based on production date, materials, and more, they all generally fit TTS.

Types of Air Jordan 3s

The Air Jordan 3 only comes in one cut and does not have a high or low-top version. Well… except for the 1-of-1 samples made by Mark Parker in the early 2000s, but those were never released at retail. Aside from the standard Jordan 3 cut we’re all used to seeing, the AJ 3 has been remixed with new materials and has been part of fusion models.

Jordan Brand slapped the Jordan 3s sole unit on the Air Jordan 2 Lows upper as part of the Jordan 2/3, and they also introduced a winterized version of the model with functional upgrades to endure the harsh winter weather.

There are also versions like the Flyknit, which swaps out the traditional construction for all FlyKnit material, the 5Lab3, which coated the upper in a reflective material to mimic the tongue of the AJ 5, and one of the most famous, the Tinker AJ 3.

Like the Air Jordan 2, the Jordan 3 forgoes any Swoosh logo on the upper, but designer Tinker Hatfield did sketch a version of the AJ 3 with the famous check. A few colorways of the Tinker Jordan 3 have been released, including a Justin Timberlake collaboration.

Are Air Jordan 3s Comfortable?

Thanks to its Air-cushioned sole unit and the polyurethane foam midsole, the Air Jordan 3 has solid comfort. Now, of course, any shoe from nearly 40 years ago will not hold a candle to what is on the market today, and the AJ 3 was designed as a performance basketball model, so don’t go running in the shoe. As for all-day wear, you could get away with it, but again, trekking miles in the sneaker may leave you wishing you had picked something else.

Air Jordan 3 Fit Tips and Recommendations

Jordan 3s will fit you just fine, going true to size, and because of the way the tongue is constructed, you can get away with loose lacing the sneaker. This will allow you to hide the laces or leave them hanging without having the sneaker fall off your foot. Everyone’s foot is different, and this may not be the case for all, but give it a shot if you want to switch up how the shoe looks.

Depending on the colorway, you can dress the Jordan 3 up or down, pairing it with more dressy looks or keeping things streetwear-focused. Pairs like the Air Jordan 3 Black Cat, with its patent leather mudguard and all-black color palette, will fit most outfits, but if you want to go wild, there are pairs like the Air Jordan 3 Retro Brazil, which has a variety of vibrant colors.

If you’re looking to get your first pair of Jordan 3s, a Black Cement or White Cement is the perfect place to start. Both pairs are iconic original colorways from 1988, and since their color palette is neutral, you’ll be able to wear them with any outfit.

Air Jordan 3 Sizing Compared

Dunk vs. Jordan 3

Both the Nike Dunk and Air Jordan 3 fit true to size. However, the Dunk, which is most popular in its low-cut form, will feel different on foot due to the height difference and the technology within. The Dunk doesn’t use PU foam like the AJ 3, so the midsole is not as soft, but that doesn’t affect how the shoe will fit, just how it feels.

Jordan 1 vs. Jordan 3

Even though the Air Jordan 1 comes in multiple cuts, the shoe will fit true to size across the low, mid, and high-top versions, just like the Air Jordan 3. Since there are different cuts, the feeling will be different, as the high-top version provides extra ankle support. But since the AJ 3 is a mid-top silhouette, it does a decent job at supporting your ankle.

Jordan 4 vs. Jordan 3

The Air Jordan 4 was released only a year after the Jordan 3, and they share some similar DNA. Both are done in the same mid-top cut and use a PU foam midsole with exposed Air units in the heel. The designs of the upper and the sole unit are different, but the AJ 4 is a more comfortable sneaker, especially since its Nike SB retooling. Both the Jordan 3 and Jordan 4 will fit true to size.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com