Superstition and sports go hand in hand, even for legends like Michael Jordan. Despite his unmatched confidence on the court, MJ had his own set of pre-game rituals—one of the most famous being his lucky shorts.
Before every game, he’d slip on his University of North Carolina practice shorts under his Bulls uniform, a tradition that started in college and followed him throughout his NBA career. That ritual now inspires the upcoming Air Jordan 3 “Lucky Shorts.”
A Closer Look at the Air Jordan 3 “Lucky Shorts”
Nike has officially unveiled the Air Jordan 3 “Lucky Shorts,” and it’s packed with subtle details that celebrate Jordan’s love for his alma mater. The sneaker features a crisp white leather upper, complemented by soft grey Photon Dust accents on the toe guard and heel. Inside, Hydrogen Blue brings a smooth contrast, appearing on the sock liner and the Jumpman logo on the tongue. But the real standout? The bold University Blue branding on the heel tab and rear Jumpman Air emblem—a direct tribute to MJ’s time at UNC.
One of the coolest hidden details is inside the tongue, where a label mimics those found on basketball shorts, complete with numbers referencing the years Jordan stuck to this quirky superstition.
Why “Lucky Shorts”?
For those unfamiliar with the backstory, this sneaker pays tribute to Jordan’s ritual of wearing his UNC practice shorts under his NBA uniform.
The reason? He believed they brought him luck, dating back to 1982, when he hit a championship-winning shot for UNC in the NCAA Finals. This small habit continued into his pro career, with Jordan notably wearing the shorts during his dominant 1987-88 season.
That legacy is now woven into the DNA of this Air Jordan 3 release.
Release Date & Where to Buy
The Air Jordan 3 “Lucky Shorts” is set to drop on February 22, 2025, via SNKRS and select Jordan retailers. Expect a full family size run, with retail prices as follows:
- Men’s sizes – $200
- Grade school (big kids) – $150
- Preschool (little kids) – $90
- Toddler sizes – $75
Keep an eye on our Jordan Release Dates page for updates, and check out our Where to Buy list below to secure your pair when they drop.
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