Copyright Athlon Sports
HIGHLIGHTS: Jordan Brand brings Michael Jordan’s exclusive 40th birthday gift sneaker to retail after more than two decades The 2003 one-of-one design featured intricate detailing reserved only for His Airness until now Collectors will finally access a piece of Jordan history that’s remained out of reach since MJ’s final NBA season The upcoming Air Jordan 3 ‘Laser’ is a sneaker 23 years in the re-making. The design was originally made especially for Michael Jordan on his 40th birthday, back in 2003. That was MJ’s final year in the NBA, and despite the overselling of his decline from his glory years, he still played in all 82 games and averaged 20 points per game that season. Load manage that. In any case, His Airness was gifted a special sneaker for his milestone birthday with laser stitching on one of the most iconic and comfortable silhouettes in Jordan Brand’s illustrious catalog. The good news is Nike is dropping MJ’s birthday gift for the world in 2026. Let’s talk sneakers. The original pair represented peak craftsmanship and exclusivity—a true one-of-one that existed solely in Jordan’s personal collection. For over two decades, images of these surfaced occasionally in sneaker circles, always generating the same question: will we ever see a retail release? That wait is finally ending. The laser etching technique used on this pair was cutting-edge technology in 2003, and it remains impressive today. The intricate patterns tell stories through imagery and design elements that connect to Jordan’s legacy, career achievements, and personal milestones. Every detail was intentional, making this more than just another colorway—it’s wearable biography. Air Jordan 3 ‘Laser’ Details Shoe Name: Air Jordan 3 Retro “Laser” Official Colorway: Black/Metallic Silver-White Style Code: IO2365-001 Release Date: February 15, 2026 Price: $225 The black tumbled leather base provides the perfect canvas for the metallic silver laser work to shine. White accents on the midsole maintain the classic Air Jordan 3 aesthetic while the laser patterns cover significant real estate on the upper, creating visual depth that rewards closer inspection. The execution stays faithful to the original 2003 concept while utilizing modern manufacturing techniques to ensure consistency across the production run. What makes this release particularly significant is its journey from impossible grail to attainable release. These kinds of formerly untouchable samples rarely make it to retail, especially ones with such personal significance to Jordan himself. The decision to share this design demonstrates confidence that the story and craftsmanship will resonate with today’s sneaker audience. The 2026 Wishlist Begins
