Top Retro 3 Shoes to Elevate Your Sneaker Game in 2024

"The Black and White Mud has always been my favorite among the three generations, and I've been eagerly waiting for a re-release. I finally got my hands on this 2023 version from Poizon, and it feels great. 📊 For sizing: I have slightly wide feet and a high instep. Normally, I wear a size 43 in Nike shoes, but for the third and fourth generations, I always go for a size 44 for a more comfortable fit. The third generation was originally designed with a women's last, so even though it's 1-2cm longer, the front part is quite forgiving for daily wear. It pairs well with various elite socks, and the fit is pretty snug. ✅ The leather quality in this re-release is top-notch. The full-grain leather is soft, and you can see clear, reasonable creases when pressing the front part. ✅ The crackle pattern is highly accurate. Don't worry too much about the size or shape of the crackle pattern; the original OG versions had larger crackle areas, while the third generation has gradually reduced the size of the crackle pattern in the front. ✅ The classic 'old butt'—many people buy the third and fourth generations specifically for the old Nike logo. They just don't like the Jumpman logo, and there's nothing you can do about it. Personally, I also love the OG re-releases and find the Jumpman logo on the back more acceptable, especially with good colorways. ❌ The third generation is one of the harder Air Jordan models to preserve. The outsole at the front, near the little toe, tends to oxidize and turn yellow. The middle part of the outsole often chips and flakes, and the rear air cushion can crack, eventually leading to the entire midsole breaking apart. Despite these issues, it doesn't stop the desire to buy them. One last tip: when displaying them in acrylic boxes, the outer shoe will oxidize faster at the front outsole than the inner one. This happens with all my shoes. Overall, this is a high-quality re-release that I've been waiting for a long time. It pairs well with various outfits, and I'm looking forward to the Black Mud coming out at the end of the year to make up for my ignorance back in 2018. 😄"lg...More

"The AJ3 White Cement 2023 Retro is packed with tech and a heavy-duty retro vibe. The most iconic design of the AJ3, of course, is the Elephant Print, and this retro version perfectly captures the essence of the original. The gray base is darker than previous versions, matching the 1988 original. The black elephant print is also finer, staying true to the original details, making it look more refined and high-quality, unlike some previous retros that just got darker and thicker. I'm 6'0" and weigh 198 lbs, slightly overweight. 1. First, the fit: It's incredibly comfortable, with great support. The insole is made of silicone, so it's softer, and the heel air cushion makes it feel amazing (though it might be a bit lacking for actual play). 2. Second, the style: The leather is high-quality cowhide, durable and comfortable, offering better support and protection. The retro elephant print (slightly thicker than previous generations) is unique, and the oxidized heel adds a nice touch. The toe is flat and not upturned, which I like. 3. I wouldn't recommend wearing them for actual basketball. While they're basketball shoes, the AJ3 is outdated now, and there are better options. I'd suggest them for casual wear. The ankle support is weak, so they're prone to twisting your ankle. The sole isn't very durable, and the cushioning isn't great, so I wouldn't use them for playing. 4. Some buying tips: First, the shape is similar to the Air Force 1, so I'd recommend sizing up by half a size or a full size for a better fit. Second, they're not very breathable, so if you have sweaty feet, you might want to use some spray to avoid odors. 5. The biggest downside is the craftsmanship. I had to return them twice, and the third pair was just barely acceptable. The main issues were the toe and heel being crooked, and the elephant print being uneven, like some cheap knockoffs. This retro has been heavily criticized for its quality. After wearing them for about half a year, they started making noise when I walk, probably because of my weight. I get the same noise with Air Force 1s and sneakers, though it doesn't affect the wear. Overall, the AJ3 White Cement 2023 Retro is a great shoe. It's stylish, comfortable, and offers good value. Go for it!"lg...More

The upper is made of very fine and soft cowhide leather, with a black matte finish that gives it a high-quality feel. The overall black shoe body with orange accents adds a nice touch of design—subtle yet distinctive. It looks great when worn. The sizing is true to size, and the comfort level is better than the AJ1. It also provides good warmth for winter wear.lg...More

The shoes are on the stiffer side, which I expected since I'm familiar with the AJ series sneakers. I swapped out the insoles for more cushioned ones right after I got them, and it made a noticeable difference. As for the looks, no complaints there—these shoes are all about style, not performance. The sizing is pretty standard; they fit true to size. If you wear thicker socks, they give a snug fit, which feels just right. Breathability? Well, let's just say AJs aren't known for that. They look good, and that's what matters. What I couldn't stand, though, was the weird issue with the left shoe. The inner part near the toe had this hard, downward protrusion that pressed against my foot and caused some discomfort. After wearing them for a few hours, it softened up a bit, either from sweat or the shoe warming up, and I got used to it. But the first few minutes were rough. Honestly, this seems to be a common thing with AJ1, 3, and 4 models. I guess I'm just buying these for the looks at this point.lg...More