The color Pink has had its fair share of cultural appropriation for as long as I can remember. The catchphrase “Pretty in Pink” gave the impression that if you’re having a baby shower expecting a girl, then the soft hue of Pink is the ideal choice. Based on gender, this carries on to items of clothing and shoes alike. I, however, came up in an era where this normalcy was disrupted by a Harlem slick talker by the name of Cam’Ron who changed the game forever. The Diplomats team Captain shocked the world when he started to wore Pink furs, spoke on Pink flip phones, and drove around in a pink Range Rover. The result was men and boys alike started to wear the color with pride. This trend transcended from Manhattan, New York to the entire world.

Fast forward to today, guys and gals love to wear the color pink if it’s done with style. With Brand Jordan making dope colorways in the color Pink for men or women, it’s been pandemonium to secure a pair no matter what gender the sneakers were meant for. With the slated release of the Retro 3 dripped in a “Pink Rust” finish, the shoe is destined to be sought after by both genders because of its flashy finish. With earlier releases dropping in a similar hue, it is clear that the summer vibes are in full effect. This woman exclusive is expanding the female collection, that male sneakerheads are craving for as well. Pleasant touches like floral filters are there, while the translucent sole is visually captivating. The upper is Nubuck with Grey dominant overlays. The accents on the heel clip are dripped in Infrared as the lace units are colored in smooth Sail. From toe to heel lies the notorious cement cracks of elephant print bringing the animal out of kick enthusiasts. With ‘Jumpman’ embroidery-stitched to perfection, this colorway is ready for the Summer indeed.

The Air Jordan Retro 3 “Pink Rust” is out on 05/28/2021 on www.dtlr.com and at local DTLR/VILLA locations.

Windy City basketball is unlike any other. Mostly because of frigid climate conditions with even colder jump shots. Chicago raised blacktop legends while being the trophy room for the greatest player to have worn a Bulls jersey (arguably any jersey for that matter). Since the 2020 NBA All-Star Game is being held in the city of Chicago, Brand Jordan is pulling no stops with the Retro Air Jordan is this Chicago edition.

Attention to detail is what makes this drop monumental. To commemorate the NBA All-Star Game being held in Chicago, the “AIR” on the back heel is replaced with “CHI”. This subtle feature is a distinct difference from the general releases in the past. This particular Retro 3 is scorching in a ‘Fire Red’ upper that is captivating to the eye. The quality fabric was used with thick tumble leather for a torch appeal. Classic elephant print grace the front toe and back heel in its original color and texture. The Jumpman makes an appearance on the tongue with embroidered stitching. Last but not least, White/Grey/Red outsole with the oval ‘Air’ pocket makes the sneaker complete.

The Air Jordan Retro 3 "Chicago" and "Unite" are out on 2/15 on www.dtlr.com and at local DTLR/VILLA locations.

Store Locations

Air Jordan Retro 3 "Chicago"

Air Jordan Retro 3 "Unite"

Often, sneakerheads are stereotyped as a teen and/or young adult males fighting to pay for shoes that cost an arm and a leg. At least, this is the understanding I’ve heard from those who don’t know much about the culture. In fact, sneakerheads tap into many societal intersections that exceed the go-to-market demographic.

For me, it started way before I became a teen or a young adult. Elementary school is when it started for me and for many others growing up in the sneaker culture. Brand Jordan has taken the classic Retro 3 silhouette and jazzed it up for grade school sizes to enjoy. Despite the shoe being mostly White, the color pallet is vibrant, to say the least. Color choices like Hyper Crimson, Fire Pink, and Barely Grape is found on the elephant print, bottom soles, eyelets, and the notorious Jumpman respectfully.

The Air Jordan 3, originally released in 1988, represents the turning point in the Air Jordan line. As the third edition to the line, the shoe came with a list of firsts. They were the first design to feature the now iconic Jumpman logo, the gray hide-like elephant print, a visible air unit, and the first to be penned by Tinker Hatfield. Hatfield single-handedly saved the Air Jordan line with the design of the Air Jordan 3. Peter Moore, the designer of the first two Jordan editions, had recently left Nike to start his own brand but more importantly, Jordan’s contract was up for renewal. Rumor has it that Jordan was lukewarm with the first two designs and was ready to be “wowed”. Which fortunately for Nike and all of us, Tinker delivered, and Jordan was wowed.

Just in time for March Madness, Jordan is treating us with a University of Chapel Hill (Jordan’s Alma Mater) colorway of the Jordan 3’s. If I had to describe these in one word, it would be “clean”. Everything about this colorway is elegantly done. They aren’t an “in your face” pair by any means. They are tastefully designed and are perfect for the court or casual wear.

Behind the Design

The tumbled leather upper, tongue, midsole, sock liner, and rear of the shoes are all white. While the accented Valor Blue color is only used on the tongue’s Jumpman, heel mold and lace loops. The tongue’s logo is embossed, which pays homage to the classic NCAA team logos found on apparel. On the heel of the shoes, you’ll find the Jumpman logo atop the word “AIR” instead of the swoosh, which was featured on the original 88’ release. However, the elephant print’s gray tone stays true to the original release. On the footbed, you’ll find a tag design that’s a nod to Nike’s vintage college jersey tags reading, “Quality products inspired by the greatest basketball player ever." There’s one more hidden detail to uncover. Inside the right tongue, you’ll find a tag that reads “heart” and on the left “soul”. A statement of Jordan’s passion and love for the game.

The Air Jordan 3 “UNC” will release on Saturday, March 7^th. Stay tuned to our blog for store locations and online availability as these are sure to bring a little madness to March.

Store Locations

Inspired by Tinker Hatfield's OG Air Jordan 3 design.

As far as sneaker culture goes, the original Air Jordan Retro 3 "Black Cement" is recognizable by almost everyone. Tinker Hatfield's iconic designs have gone on to become staples in fashion and in the sneaker community.

The Air Jordan Retro 3 Tinker "Black Cement" presents a brand new twist on the OG sneaker. This offering features black suede and leather upper with black elephant print overlays around the heel and the toe. Reflective Cement Grey covers the tongues, eyelets and swoosh logos, while the classic “Nike Air” brands the heel tabs in black. With a white midsole and a grey rubber outsole, the design is complete with Metallic Gold detailing and a "Tinker Hatfield" signature stitched in the same color.

The Air Jordan Retro 3 Tinker “Black Cement” will be released Saturday July 27th in-store and online at WWW.DTLR.COM.

Store Locations

Shipment to stores may be delayed. Please contact your local DTLR/Villa for availability.