Michael Jordan’s ‘Black Cat’ Air Jordan 3 Retro Is Returning for the First Time in 18 Years

Riley Jones

August 13, 2024 at 12:33 AM·2 min read

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A fan-favorite Michael Jordan sneaker is expected to return at the beginning of 2025.

According to early reports, the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” is coming back in January. There was initially some speculation around whether or not the release would materialize, but now it appears to be only a few seasons away from hitting shelves.

Having been released only in June 2007, the Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cat” applies one of the brand’s most popular colorway themes to an equally celebrated model. Inspired by Jordan’s “Black Cat” nickname on the court — which was also Tinker Hatfield’s inspiration for the Air Jordan 13 sneaker — the series of shoes typically don all-black uppers in various materials.

Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘Black Cat’ 2007 Release (Pair). Credit: GOAT

The 2007 iteration of the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat,” pictured here, used a black nubuck upper with a glossy patent leather mudguard and outfitted the shoe’s signature elephant print in a Dark Charcoal shade. Elephant print-patterned shoelaces were also included, giving the style a unique twist compared to the other crop of Air Jordan 3 Retros from the 2000s era. It hasn’t yet been confirmed if all of these details will be replicated on the ’25 “Black Cat” Air Jordan 3, but readers can expect a similar look on the upcoming release.

The most coveted sneaker in Jordan Brand’s full “Black Cat” spread is the Air Jordan 4, which was first released in 2006 and again in 2020. The latter pair retailed at $190 has become one of the model’s most expensive styles, regularly reselling for around $1,000.

Other upcoming drops expected to use the “Black Cat” theme include the Air Jordan 4 RM, a remixed version of the retro sneaker whose launch was spearheaded by BMX pro Nigel Sylvester. Meanwhile, the Air Jordan 3 is due to rerelease in its original “Black Cement” style in November.

As of publishing, the Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cat” is set to be released on January 25 in full family sizing with an official colorway of “Black/Dark Charcoal/White.” Men’s sizes are expected to retail at $200.