The Sleek Comeback of the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat”

The Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat" is making its long-awaited comeback for the first time since its original 2007 release, this retro brings back one of the most underrated stealth looks in the Jordan lineup

The 2025 edition does right by the original, boasting a black nubuck upper, greyscale elephant print on the toe and heel panels (and even the laces), and a glossy patent leather mudguard that gives it a sharp finish. 

History of the “Black Cat” Legacy
The “Black Cat” name goes all the way back to Michael Jordan’s pre-college days, when teammates and rivals likened his speed, agility, and smooth on-court movement to that of a black cat. That nickname later inspired a string of releases under the Jordan Brand, beginning with the Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” in 2006, which paired a stealthy, all-black colourway with a nubuck upper.

The following year brought us the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat”, the second official entry in the series. But it wasn’t until the mid-2010s that the design theme returned with Black Cat iterations of the Jordan 6 and Jordan 13; the latter known for its paw-inspired sole, perfectly tying into the feline theme.

Fast forward to 2024, and Jordan Brand has been leaning into the Black Cat vibe once again. We saw new styles like the Spiz’ike Low and Jordan 4 RM debut in sleek blacked-out versions.

And while the spotlight is firmly on the 3s right now, there’s a quiet buzz building around another silhouette. Could the Black Cat 4s be making a return? Only time will tell.