Details of upcoming Michael Jordan sneakers continue to surface with more concrete context surrounding an upcoming Air Jordan 3 set to be released summer 2026.
The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG will be getting a “World’s Best Dad” colorway timed to release around Father’s Day in June. More than just a holiday theme, the pair is reportedly connected to Jordan’s 1996 NBA championship win.
After leading the Bulls to a 3-2 NBA Finals lead over the Seattle SuperSonics, the last game of the series took place on June 16, 1996, which happened to be Father’s Day. The Bulls were victorious and later, while celebrating in the locker room, an emotional Jordan was brought to tears on the floor. Video of Jordan’s sentimental celebration was memorably featured in the 2020 documentary series “The Last Dance.”
It wasn’t just another title win; it was Jordan’s first since his father, James Jordan Sr., was murdered in 1993. This led to the NBA legend retiring from the league months later before pursuing a stint in Minor League Baseball. In March 1995, Jordan returned to the NBA, but the Bulls were eliminated by the Orlando Magic during the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This motivated Jordan to come back with a chip on his shoulder and following the ’96 win, he would lead the Bulls to another two consecutive championships.
A speculative mock-up of what the Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “World’s Best Dad” is expected to look like.
@zsneakerheadz/Sneaker Files
According to @zsneakerheadz, Sneaker Files and Sneaker Market Romania, the upcoming Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “World’s Best Dad” will directly reference Jordan’s heartfelt celebration. The Sail/Black/University Red/Pale Ivory/Palomino colorway replaces the Air Jordan 3’s traditional elephant print overlays with a jacquard pattern that matches the carpet pattern of the United Center’s locker room.
Other recent Air Jordan leaks of note include the return of the Air Jordan 5 White Metallic for the first time in 11 years and a new low-top version of the Air Jordan 1 Banned.
Readers can expect the Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “World’s Best Dad” to arrive at stores during summer ’26. Retail pricing has not been confirmed, but the pair has a style code of IF4396-103.