Air Jordan 3 Retro 'Black Cat' (2025)
The Air Jordan 3 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and first released in 1988, marking a pivotal moment in Jordan Brand history. It was the first Jordan to feature the now-iconic Jumpman logo, replacing the Wings branding from the AJ1 and AJ2. The AJ3 also introduced elephant print and a visible Air unit to the line, both of which became defining elements of the franchise. The Black Cat colourway, named after Michael Jordan's pre-NBA nickname, first released in 2007 and has become one of the most sought-after tonal executions in the Jordan 3 lineup.
The Black Cat colourway is a fully tonal triple-black execution. Black nubuck covers the upper panels, with a glossy black patent leather mudguard wrapping around the lower half of the shoe for a reflective contrast. Charcoal elephant-print overlays across the forefoot and heel maintain the AJ3's signature texture in a near-invisible tonal finish. Black Jumpman branding on the tongue and heel tab, a black foam midsole with visible Air unit, and a black rubber outsole complete the head-to-toe monochromatic look.
Black nubuck upper delivers a premium matte finish across the main body of the shoe, providing the classic AJ3 silhouette in its most understated form. Black patent leather mudguard wraps the lower half with a glossy, reflective finish that contrasts the matte nubuck above. Tonal charcoal elephant-print overlays on the forefoot and heel maintain the AJ3's iconic texture detailing. Visible Air-sole unit in the heel provides responsive cushioning for comfortable all-day wear. Durable black rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern ensures reliable grip across multiple surfaces.
Fit: Adult sizes (UK 6.5 to UK 12) fit true to size. Grade School sizes (UK 3 to UK 6) fit true to size, or half a size up for wider feet or a looser fit.
Style Code: 136064-011
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The Air Jordan 3 Black Cat is ideal for anyone looking for a premium all-black sneaker with genuine Jordan heritage and enough design detailing to stand out from generic triple-black shoes. The patent leather mudguard and elephant print give it visual depth that rewards a closer look. The GS to Men's size range from UK 3 to UK 12 makes it accessible across age groups.
The Black Cat 3s are one of the most versatile all-black sneakers in the Jordan lineup. They pair with virtually anything, from black joggers and dark denim for a tonal look, to lighter trousers and coloured tops when you want the shoes to ground the outfit. The patent leather mudguard adds enough visual interest to prevent the shoe from looking flat in an all-black fit.
The Black Cat sits as one of the most coveted tonal colourways in the Air Jordan 3 lineup, alongside releases like the Black Cement and Dark Iris. Compared to the Jordan 4 Black Cat, the AJ3 version offers a mid-top silhouette with patent leather and elephant print rather than the AJ4's mesh and wing construction. Against other all-black sneakers like the Nike Air Max 95 Triple Black or ASICS Gel-1130 Black, the AJ3 Black Cat brings a basketball-heritage silhouette with more premium material layering through its nubuck, patent leather, and textured overlays.
Adult sizes (UK 6.5 to UK 12) fit true to size. For Grade School sizes (UK 3 to UK 6), we recommend going true to size, or half a size up if you have wider feet or prefer a looser fit.
Elephant print is a textured overlay pattern that first appeared on the original Air Jordan 3 in 1988, designed by Tinker Hatfield. It has become one of the most recognisable design elements in sneaker history. On the Black Cat, the elephant print appears in a tonal charcoal finish across the forefoot and heel overlays.
Grade School (GS) sizes run from UK 3 to UK 6 and are built on a slightly narrower last designed for younger wearers, though many adults with smaller feet also wear GS sizing. Men's sizes run from UK 6.5 to UK 12 on a wider last. Note that GS UK 6 and Men's UK 6.5 are not identical in fit due to the different construction.
We recommend using a soft-bristle brush on the nubuck upper to remove surface dirt. The patent leather mudguard can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and will maintain its gloss easily. Avoid machine washing or harsh chemicals, and allow them to air dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight.
