Top Retro 3 Shoes to Elevate Your Sneaker Game in 2024

The Air Jordan 3 "White Cement" is one of the most popular sneakers in recent years. I've been obsessed with it since its release and have been wanting it for a long time. In terms of looks, the design is great—white with cement elephant print, and it pairs well with anything when worn. The quality is also impressive; the leather is soft and comfortable, and the midsole features a visible air unit, which is a nice touch. As for sizing, just go with your usual size for the AJ series.lg...More

"The AJ3 White Cement 2023 Retro is packed with tech and a heavy-duty retro vibe. The most iconic design of the AJ3, of course, is the Elephant Print, and this retro version perfectly captures the essence of the original. The gray base is darker than previous versions, matching the 1988 original. The black elephant print is also finer, staying true to the original details, making it look more refined and high-quality, unlike some previous retros that just got darker and thicker. I'm 6'0" and weigh 198 lbs, slightly overweight. 1. First, the fit: It's incredibly comfortable, with great support. The insole is made of silicone, so it's softer, and the heel air cushion makes it feel amazing (though it might be a bit lacking for actual play). 2. Second, the style: The leather is high-quality cowhide, durable and comfortable, offering better support and protection. The retro elephant print (slightly thicker than previous generations) is unique, and the oxidized heel adds a nice touch. The toe is flat and not upturned, which I like. 3. I wouldn't recommend wearing them for actual basketball. While they're basketball shoes, the AJ3 is outdated now, and there are better options. I'd suggest them for casual wear. The ankle support is weak, so they're prone to twisting your ankle. The sole isn't very durable, and the cushioning isn't great, so I wouldn't use them for playing. 4. Some buying tips: First, the shape is similar to the Air Force 1, so I'd recommend sizing up by half a size or a full size for a better fit. Second, they're not very breathable, so if you have sweaty feet, you might want to use some spray to avoid odors. 5. The biggest downside is the craftsmanship. I had to return them twice, and the third pair was just barely acceptable. The main issues were the toe and heel being crooked, and the elephant print being uneven, like some cheap knockoffs. This retro has been heavily criticized for its quality. After wearing them for about half a year, they started making noise when I walk, probably because of my weight. I get the same noise with Air Force 1s and sneakers, though it doesn't affect the wear. Overall, the AJ3 White Cement 2023 Retro is a great shoe. It's stylish, comfortable, and offers good value. Go for it!"lg...More

The upper is made of very fine and soft cowhide leather, with a black matte finish that gives it a high-quality feel. The overall black shoe body with orange accents adds a nice touch of design—subtle yet distinctive. It looks great when worn. The sizing is true to size, and the comfort level is better than the AJ1. It also provides good warmth for winter wear.lg...More

The shoes are on the stiffer side, which I expected since I'm familiar with the AJ series sneakers. I swapped out the insoles for more cushioned ones right after I got them, and it made a noticeable difference. As for the looks, no complaints there—these shoes are all about style, not performance. The sizing is pretty standard; they fit true to size. If you wear thicker socks, they give a snug fit, which feels just right. Breathability? Well, let's just say AJs aren't known for that. They look good, and that's what matters. What I couldn't stand, though, was the weird issue with the left shoe. The inner part near the toe had this hard, downward protrusion that pressed against my foot and caused some discomfort. After wearing them for a few hours, it softened up a bit, either from sweat or the shoe warming up, and I got used to it. But the first few minutes were rough. Honestly, this seems to be a common thing with AJ1, 3, and 4 models. I guess I'm just buying these for the looks at this point.lg...More