The

Air Jordan III

1987–1988

Air Jordan III, the first model designed by Tinker Hatfield, was introduced in the fall of 1987 and worn by Michael Jordan at the start of the 1987–88 NBA season, while still in testing. Internal production codes on early examples indicate manufacturing dates as early as September 1987, with documented game use at the start of that season on November 7.

Early worn prototypes exhibit subtle variations prior to retail standardization, including differences in leather composition, elephant print patterning, ankle height and collar perforation, heel tab construction, and accent detailing. These distinctions reflect the transitional nature of the model as it moved from development into full production.

Jordan first wore the Air Jordan III in September 1987 and continued its use through the opening months of the season, before transitioning permanently to later pairs by January 1988 and into the 1989 season.

Model Summary

Air Jordan III

Audit in Progress

Total Documented Examples

Publicly Sold Examples

Privately Held Examples

Archive Updated August 17, 2026

Verification Summary

Method	Count	Public	Private	Status
Photo Matched	2	0	2	⏳
Coding Verified	8	7	1	⏳

Unlike jerseys, footwear is documented by model, use, and method of verification rather than population accounting.

Methodology & Identification

Footwear identification within the archive extends beyond direct visual comparison. Analysis incorporates model chronology, production coding, material behavior, and player-specific wear patterns observed across game imagery and surviving examples.

Particular attention is given to structural deformation during use, including creasing patterns, lace tension habits, and outsole or mid-sole stress responses resulting from Jordan’s movement and play style.

Final identification is determined through the convergence of these characteristics rather than any single matching detail.

Documented Examples

Known Air Jordan III Record

The following entries represent documented Air Jordan III examples associated with Michael Jordan across the early development, promotional, charitable, and competitive use phases of the model. Each record combines construction details, sale history, and archive research.

Air Jordan III sample, attributed to early season wear.

Archive ReferencePair A

Production CodeBBMB66-871101-FT

Size13 L / 13 R

A sample variation with higher elephant print and slightly higher ankle height, likely worn within the first few weeks of the season.

Public Sale

Auction House: Goldin Auctions
Sale Date: February 22, 2020
Lot #: 105
Sale Price: $31,200

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

Photo-Matched: No
Games Photo-Matched: 0
Photo-Matched By:

Research & Provenance

Internal images and videos can confirm shape and wear patterns are consistent with game wear.

Ownership Status

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Current Owner Unverified

Ownership verification is required before private inquiries can be enabled.

Claim Ownership

Air Jordan III sample, attributed to early season wear.

Archive ReferencePair B

Production CodeBBMB66-871101-FT

Size13 L / 13 R

A sample variation with higher elephant print and slightly higher ankle height, likely worn within the first few weeks of the season.