Jordan 3, 4 and 11: Models Worth Knowing Beyond the Jordan 1
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Jordan 1 is an icon everyone has heard of. But the Air Jordan collection doesn't stop with the first model, and it was the subsequent numbers that made the series something more than a line of basketball shoes. Three of them—the 3, 4, and 11—deserve special attention. Each brought something new and remains one of the pillars of the collection to this day.
Changing of the Guard: Tinker Hatfield Enters the Game
After the first two models in the line, Peter Moore, the designer of the original Jordan 1, stepped down. He was replaced by Tinker Hatfield, an architect by training who designed the next Jordans and became permanently associated with the series. It is often said that his first design helped keep Michael Jordan with Nike, and in the following years, Hatfield built the image of the entire line.
Air Jordan 3 (1988): The Moment the Series Grew Up
The 3 is the model that defined how we think about Jordans today. Hatfield introduced several elements that became its signature:
Jumpman on the tongue.
This model was the first to feature the logo of a jumping Jordan, which to this day is the symbol of the entire brand.
Visible Air cushion in the heel.
The cushioning technology, previously hidden in the sole, was showcased for the first time.
"Elephant print" print.
A gray, cracked pattern on the toe and heel that debuted in this model and remains one of the most recognizable motifs in the entire series.
Mid-top design.
The 3 is considered the first mid-top basketball model, which provided greater freedom of movement while maintaining ankle support.
At the same time, Nike launched a campaign with Spike Lee playing Mars Blackmon, which further elevated the model to cultural phenomenon status. And the image was completed by the famous moment from the 1988 dunk contest, when Jordan made a dunk from the free-throw line. Today, the colorway that pays tribute to it is "White Cement," one of the most sought-after.
Air Jordan 4 (1989): More Technical, Just as Iconic
The 4 was created as an evolution of the 3. Hatfield retained the silhouette and many details but focused on functionality and breathability. Mesh panels appeared on the sides, additional holes in the "wings" lacing system, which allowed for a better fit on the foot, and the word "Flight" under the Jumpman logo. The materials also changed, and the shoe featured elements that looked completely fresh at the time.
The 4 made history thanks to a unique moment on the court: on May 7, 1989, Jordan hit the legendary, game-winning shot in the first round of the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers, known to this day as "The Shot." This model also appeared in Spike Lee's film "Do the Right Thing," which helped it move beyond the world of sports and into broader culture.
Air Jordan 11 (1995): Patent Leather for the Court
The 11 is the most unconventional of the trio and at the same time the most recognizable outside the sneaker world. Hatfield designed it at a time when Jordan had temporarily retired from basketball and was playing baseball. He opted for a solution that sounded surprising at the time: patent leather, which was associated more with dress shoes than sports equipment. Jordan wanted his shoes to be shiny, and Hatfield translated this into a patent leather strip around the lower part of the upper, combined with ballistic nylon.
The result exceeded all expectations. The 11 debuted with Jordan's return to the NBA in 1995, and the "Concord" colorway, in white and black, became one of the most coveted colorways in sneaker history. A year later, Jordan wore a special, all-black version in the film "Space Jam," which further cemented the model's position in pop culture.
What Unites Them, and What Sets Them Apart?
| Jordan 3 | Jordan 4 | Jordan 11 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 1988 | 1989 | 1995 |
| Character | classic, "iconic" | technical, sporty | elegant, bold |
| Signature | elephant print, Jumpman | mesh, "wings" | patent leather |
| Best suited for | casual outfits | streetwear and relaxed outfits | more styled looks |
How to Wear Them?
The 3 works well with simple, casual outfits: jeans, a T-shirt, a sweatshirt. Its pattern is bold, but subdued enough that it does not dominate the overall look. The 4 is sportier and pairs well with relaxed pants, oversized sweatshirts, and technical clothing. The 11, thanks to its patent leather detail, offers the most room for creativity: it pairs with dark jeans, and in monochromatic versions, even with more sophisticated outfits.
Which One to Choose?
If you like classics and recognizable patterns, go for the 3. If you are looking for something sportier and more versatile, choose the 4. And if you want a model with character that stands out even in a crowd of sneakers, the 11 will be the best choice. You can find all three models in the Air Jordan collection in our store, and before purchasing, it is worth checking the size guide, as the fit varies between models.
Jordan 3, 4, and 11 are three different takes on what a basketball sneaker can be. The 3 gave the series its identity, the 4 added technique and cultural significance, and the 11 showed that a sports shoe can also be a coveted runway object. If you already know the 1, then these are the ones to start with when exploring the rest of the series.