The Air Jordan 3 “Dunk Contest” arrives next week

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The big 3-0.

Behind almost-every Air Jordan shoe and colorway is at least one story inspired by the GOAT’s unprecedented greatness on – sometimes off – the court. The “White Cement” Air Jordan 3 of course has it’s moment in the sun. Jordan first broke out the sneaker during the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest in Chicago. Having won the year prior, he wanted to defend his title on his home stage. Easy talk right? Wrong. He needed a steep 49 of a possible 50 points to win. And you know what he did next.

Starting at the middle of the back court, running full-pelt down the hardwood, Jordan took off from the free throw line with ease and earned a perfect 50 points, winning the contest. The iconic image of him suspended mid-air, with the ball perched on his right hand, still finds it’s way on the walls of aspiring NBA players today.

Paying tribute to the 30th anniversary of this historic moment, and the shoe’s debut, Jordan Brand is releasing this special edition Air Jordan 3 “Dunk Contest”.

The remastered model has the clear outsole of the original with a Red stripe, in the exact width of an NBA free throw line, on the left sole of the shoe — his takeoff foot. MJ’s Slam Dunk competition winning score of 147 is also printed on the left sock liner and upside down behind both tongues.