Atmos x Air Jordan 3 Retro & Air Max 1 Safari Pack

Atmos x Air Jordan 3 Retro & Air Max 1 Safari Pack

Details

Colorway
Multicolor / Multicolor
Style Code
923098-900
Release Date
March 19, 2017
Department
Men
Brand
Jordan
Model
Air Jordan 3

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Air Jordan 3 Retro Partners with Atmos in 2017

Considered one of the most recognized sneakers of all time, the Air Jordan 3 introduced many firsts for the brand. First and foremost, Michael Jordan's third signature sneaker introduced the now-revered Jumpman logo—a silhouette of His Airness leaping through the air mid-dunk—that replaced the popular Wings logo found on the Jordan 1 and 2. It was a brand he could call his own, and a major selling point in his contract renewal with Nike.

The Air Jordan 3 also enlisted a new designer, Tinker Hatfield, already esteemed in the sneaker world and now considered a legend. Hatfield had designed the Air Max 1 and Air Trainer 1, so the introduction of visible Air technology into the Jordan line was a no-brainer. Hatfield worked closely with MJ to incorporate the superstar's vision into the designs. In addition to the Jumpman logo and visible Air, the Jordan 3 also introduced an eye-catching elephant skin print, softer leather and a mid-cut height—moving away from the then-trendy high-top style. The overall design borrows design elements from its famous predecessors, the Air Jordan 1 and 2.

How the Air Jordan III Almost Never Happen

There's the famous story of Michael Jordan almost signing with another brand, and then there's this one—where MJ almost ended his partnership with Nike. Jordan's original five-year deal with Nike yielded $500,000 per year, plus royalties, for a total estimated value of $7M. An early career injury in the Air Jordan 1—a broken foot—caused him to miss much of the '85-86 season and lose trust in Nike's ability to fulfill their promises. Jordan was looking for an out.

The meeting to present the new Air Jordan 3 was a make-or-break situation for the Nike x Jordan deal.

Tinker Hatfield played a significant role in keeping Michael on board, continually advocating for and protecting MJ's input in the design process. At a crucial meeting—the unveiling of the new Air Jordan 3 design—the Nike team reportedly waited four hours for Jordan to show up. It turns out he'd been on the golf course with new prospective partners. When MJ finally arrived, Hatfield knocked his socks off with the Air Jordan 3 prototype and an apparel line. And though it was Hatfield who saved the deal, Jordan's parents also influenced his decision, reportedly telling him that his actions were "embarrassing", recalling the influence they had on their son when he signed with the brand in the first place.

Jordan 3 Retro x Atmos Safari Pack 2017

The Jordan Brand and Atmos teamed up in 2017 to create an Air Jordan 3 and Air Max 1 Safari Pack. The Air Jordan 3 portion features a nubuck and leather upper and black side panels, toe top, laces, tongue, heel, and midsole. A safari print dark grey and white pattern coats the overlays on the toe and heel mudguards. Orange accents appear on the bottom eyelets, inner tongue, and Nike logo on the shoe's bottom tread. The rest of the outsole is coated in translucent icy white. A green Nike Air logo sits on the back of each heel.