One of the most iconic sneakers in Air Jordan history is coming back. The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “True Blue” returns on July 18, 2026, reviving the 1988 original colorway for the first time in a decade. With its white leather base, cement-grey elephant print and unmistakable True Blue accents, this is a grail-tier release for collectors and first-time buyers alike. This guide covers the release date, price, style code, design details and how to get a pair in Japan.
Quick Facts
- Model: Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “True Blue”
- Release date: July 18, 2026 (US)
- Style code: IF4396-104
- Retail: $230 USD (adult)
Image source: soleretriever
What Is the Air Jordan 3 “True Blue”?
The Air Jordan 3 was designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1988 and changed sneaker design forever, introducing the visible Air unit and the now-legendary elephant print. “True Blue” is one of the model’s earliest and most beloved colorways: a clean white leather upper wrapped in grey elephant print at the toe and heel, with True Blue and Varsity Red accents.
Michael Jordan famously wore the AJ3 during the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest, cementing the silhouette’s place in basketball and sneaker lore. The 2026 release is an OG version, meaning it carries the original Nike Air branding on the heel rather than the Jumpman.
The grey elephant print and True Blue midsole accents.
Design & Colorway Details
The 2026 pair stays faithful to the 1988 blueprint. Key design points:
Upper
Premium white tumbled leather with grey cement elephant print on the toe and heel.
Accents
True Blue on the tongue, midsole and outsole, with Varsity Red on the heel tab.
Branding
OG Nike Air logo on the heel, a detail prized by purists.
The OG Nike Air heel branding returns.
A faithful revival of the 1988 original.
Release Date, Price & Style Code
The Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” is scheduled to drop on July 18, 2026 in the US. Full family sizing is expected, so the whole household can grab a pair.
Adult (Men’s)
$230 USD – IF4396-104
Grade School (GS)
$155 USD
Pre-School (PS)
$95 USD
Toddler (TD)
$80 USD
Expect full family sizing at launch.
How to Buy in Japan
In Japan, the release is expected through the SNKRS app, Nike.com and select Jordan Brand retailers. The exact Japanese yen price and local launch date should be confirmed on the official Nike SNKRS channels closer to the drop, as they can differ from the US date. Given the profile of this colorway, entering the SNKRS draw and checking stockists early is the safest approach.
The elephant print remains the model’s signature.
Why It Matters
“True Blue” has not seen a full OG retro since 2016, so a decade of demand has built up behind this release. Combined with its status as one of the AJ3’s founding colorways and its Slam Dunk Contest history, the 2026 drop is likely to be one of the summer’s most contested Jordan releases.
FAQ
When does the Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” release?
July 18, 2026 in the US. The Japan launch date should be confirmed on SNKRS closer to the drop.
How much does it cost?
$230 USD for the adult size. GS is $155, PS is $95 and TD is $80.
What is the style code?
IF4396-104.
Is this an OG version?
Yes. It features the original Nike Air branding on the heel rather than the Jumpman.
Summary
The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “True Blue” returns July 18, 2026 (US) at $230, style code IF4396-104, reviving the 1988 original for the first time in a decade. Confirm the Japan release date and yen price on the official Nike SNKRS channels before you buy.
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