Less overlays, a slightly simplified construction. It makes the shoe feel less heavy, which some people will love. But, if you're a purest for the OG 1988 details, you might miss some of that original texture and chunkiness. It's a trade-off: modern comfort vs. classic authenticity. On feet, the design really pops. The lack of the 'Nike Air' branding on the back is the main difference, but the 'Jumpman' looks fine. The white leather upper is easy to keep clean. In natural light, the cement grey details and that infrared hit on the eyelets? "Chef's kiss". It's a versatile look that works with a lot of fits. My final take? For $200 USD, this is a "strong" offer from the Jordan series. You get the iconic design, good comfort, and a wearable colorway. It's not the most exciting release, but it's a really, really good one. The rare air jordan 3 does exactly what it sets out to do. I'm impressed for the price. Comparing it to a standard Jordan 3 Retro... it's interesting. You lose some of that iconic, textured detail, but you gain a cleaner aesthetic. It feels like a more mature version of the silhouette. If you want the loud, classic look, get the retros. But if you want a Jordan 3 that's a bit more subtle and wearable daily? This rare air version has a strong argument.
