After years of a fruitful partnership, Hall of Fame Chicago Bull Michael Jordan was thinking about leaving Nike, that was until he saw the Air Jordan III, the sneaker that would become his personal favorite and force him to reconsider his decision to leave Nike. Nike sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield designed the sneaker that would become a favorite of “His Airness”, with Jordan wearing the Air Jordan III’s during the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and other events. The sneakers are widely remembered for the successful and humorous ad campaign titled “Mars and Mike” featuring Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon who uttered the classic phrase “It’s gotta be the shoes!” in regard to Jordan’s otherworldly talents.

Presented here are a pair of Air Jordan III’s signed by the six-time NBA champion and five-time NBA MVP. The size 13 sneakers feature a black and gray colorway with elephant print on the toecap and later sides of the heel. A gray embroidered Nike “JUMPMAN” rests comfortably on the black tongue of the sneaker. The Jordan III’s were the first sneakers in the Jordan line to feature a visible air vent and the “NIKE AIR” logo. The original box with a black lid and elephant print-pattern come with the sneakers. The sneakers feature light evidence of use. Jordan signed the outstep of the right sneaker with a black marker. The signed Air Jordan III sneakers come with a COA from Upper Deck Authentication (UAS 10679).

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