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The Definitive Guide To The Air Jordan 3 'True Blue' (2016 OG Retro): Why 'Nike Air' Made It A Legend

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The Air Jordan 3 'True Blue' (2016) remains one of the most significant and sought-after sneaker releases of the last decade, and as of December 2025, its status in the collector market is stronger than ever. This particular retro is not just another re-release; it represents the long-awaited return of a crucial, original design element that collectors had been demanding for years.

Released on a strategic Black Friday date, the 2016 version of the 'True Blue' finally corrected a perceived flaw in previous retros by bringing back the iconic 'Nike Air' branding on the heel tab, cementing its status as a true "OG" (Original) specification release and driving its value far above the initial retail price.

The Definitive Profile: Air Jordan 3 Retro OG 'True Blue' (2016)

The Air Jordan 3 is a legendary silhouette, famously designed by Tinker Hatfield, and the 'True Blue' is one of its four original colorways from 1988. The 2016 retro was designed to be a faithful recreation of that debut model, making it an essential piece of Jordan Brand history.

  • Style Code: 854262-106
  • Original Colorway: White/True Blue-Varsity Red
  • Retail Price: $220 USD
  • Release Date: November 25, 2016 (Black Friday)
  • Designer: Tinker Hatfield (Original 1988 design)
  • Defining Feature: The return of the 'Nike Air' logo on the heel tab, replacing the Jumpman logo found on the 2009 and 2011 retros.
  • Key Materials: Premium White Tumbled Leather upper, True Blue accents, Varsity Red detailing, and the signature Elephant Print overlays.

This release was a monumental moment for sneaker culture, as it was the first time the 'True Blue' colorway had released with the 'Nike Air' heel since its original run in 1988, excluding the 2001 retro which was a non-OG release.

The 'Nike Air' Factor: Why the 2016 Retro is Superior

For casual fans, the difference between a 'Jumpman' and a 'Nike Air' logo on the heel might seem trivial. For serious collectors and purists, however, it is the difference between a "retro" and an "OG retro." The 2016 release was celebrated precisely because it restored this small but historically significant detail.

The Historical Significance of the Heel Tab

The original Air Jordan 3, released in 1988, featured the classic 'Nike Air' logo on the heel. This was the branding used during Michael Jordan's active playing career with the Chicago Bulls when the shoe first debuted. When Jordan Brand began retroing the shoe, they transitioned to using the 'Jumpman' logo, a symbol that was adopted later in the brand's history.

The previous 'True Blue' retros, specifically the 2011 version, featured the Jumpman logo. While still popular, these versions were often criticized for deviating from the original design. The 2016 release, therefore, was a direct response to collector demand, offering a faithful, one-to-one recreation of the 1988 sneaker, down to the color and font of the branding.

Key Differences: 2016 vs. 2011 Retros

The 2016 OG retro made several critical improvements over its 2011 predecessor, which elevated its status and value:

  • Heel Branding: 2016: 'Nike Air' (OG). 2011: 'Jumpman' logo.
  • Elephant Print: The 2016 version featured a more accurate, thicker, and darker Elephant Print pattern, which was closer to the original 1988 specifications. The 2011 print was often criticized for being too thin.
  • Shape and Silhouette: Many reviewers noted that the overall shape and toebox of the 2016 model were more streamlined and true to the original 1988 cut, a detail that is paramount to Air Jordan 3 enthusiasts.
  • Liner Color: The 2016 model featured a red liner inside the tongue, a detail often overlooked but essential for OG accuracy.

These subtle changes collectively transformed the 2016 release from a simple retro into a highly coveted collector's item, celebrating the shoe's heritage and the design genius of Tinker Hatfield.

The Enduring Market Value and Collector Appeal (December 2025)

Seven years after its initial release, the Air Jordan 3 'True Blue' (2016) continues to command a significant premium on the secondary market. The shoe’s scarcity, combined with its OG status, ensures its value remains high among dedicated sneakerheads and investors.

Current Resale Dynamics

While the initial retail price was $220, the current resale price for a brand new, deadstock pair in common sizes often ranges significantly higher, with a wide range seen on major platforms like GOAT and StockX. As of December 2025, prices for new pairs can be found ranging from approximately $313 to over $700, depending on the size and condition. The average sale price over the last few months shows remarkable volatility, proving that this sneaker is actively traded and highly valued.

The high price is a clear reflection of the market's appreciation for true OG specifications. Collectors understand that a 'Nike Air' Jordan 3 is a different class of shoe compared to its Jumpman counterparts. This model is often considered a staple in any serious Air Jordan collection, sitting alongside other iconic OG retros like the 'Black Cement' and 'White Cement' with 'Nike Air' branding.

Topical Authority: The True Blue Lineage

To understand the importance of the 2016 release, one must look at the complete history of the 'True Blue' colorway:

  1. 1988: Original Release (OG) with 'Nike Air' branding.
  2. 2001: First Retro. Featured 'Nike Air' but was a non-OG release with some material differences.
  3. 2009: Retro (International Exclusive). Featured the 'Jumpman' on the heel.
  4. 2011: Retro (Wider Release). Featured the 'Jumpman' on the heel.
  5. 2016: Retro OG. The triumphant return of the 'Nike Air' branding, fulfilling the demands of the collector community and restoring the shoe to its original glory.

The 2016 version is the pinnacle of the 'True Blue' retro line, offering the closest experience to owning the 1988 original. This attention to detail—from the leather quality to the shape and, most importantly, the 'Nike Air' heel—ensures the Air Jordan 3 'True Blue' (2016) will remain a legendary and highly valued sneaker for years to come.

The Definitive Guide to the Air Jordan 3 'True Blue' (2016 OG Retro): Why 'Nike Air' Made It a Legend
2016 jordan 3 true blue
2016 jordan 3 true blue

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