Triple black. Murdered out. Whatever you call it, the aesthetic of the Jordan 3 "Black Cat" is basically legendary at this point. If you’ve been scouring the resale markets or waiting for a SNKRS drop, you know that black cat 3s kids sizes are some of the most frustratingly elusive kicks in the sneaker world.
They’re sleek. They’re durable. Honestly, they’re the only shoe that looks just as good on a playground as they do at a formal dinner.
But here is the thing: Jordan Brand doesn't just hand these out. While the "Black Cat" moniker has been applied to the Jordan 4 and the Jordan 13 with massive success, the 3s hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and parents alike. Why? Because the Jordan 3 silhouette is arguably the most comfortable retro in the lineup. When you shrink that down for kids, you’re looking at a shoe that actually holds up to the absolute chaos of a grade-schooler's daily life while maintaining that "cool" factor that even a seven-year-old understands.
The History Nobody Tells You
The original Jordan 3 Black Cat debuted back in 2007. This was a weird time for Jordan Brand. They were experimenting. Tinker Hatfield’s legendary 1988 design—the shoe that literally saved Nike’s relationship with Michael Jordan—was being stripped of its iconic elephant print for the first time. Well, not stripped, but hidden.
On the black cat 3s kids versions, you still get that texture. It’s subtle. It’s black-on-black elephant print on the toe and heel. It’s the kind of detail you only notice when the light hits it just right. Michael Jordan’s nickname, "Black Cat," was the inspiration, focusing on his stealthy, panther-like movements on the court. For a kid, that translates to a shoe that doesn't show dirt.
Let's be real for a second. Parents love these because you can't see the scuffs. You can't see the mud from the park. Most kids' shoes look trashed after three weeks. These? They just keep looking like new because the nubuck and suede are surprisingly resilient.
Why the Resale Market is a Nightmare
If you are looking for a pair right now, I have some bad news. They haven't had a proper, wide-scale retro release in a hot minute. This creates a massive supply-and-demand gap.
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You’ll see them on sites like StockX or GOAT, but the prices for GS (Grade School), PS (Pre-School), and TD (Toddler) sizes are often higher than the original retail price of adult pairs. It’s wild. A kid is going to outgrow these in six months, yet people are dropping $300+ on them.
- Scarcity: Jordan Brand focuses heavily on the Jordan 4 "Black Cat" because it’s a hype beast staple. The 3s are treated more like a "if you know, you know" cult classic.
- Durability: Because they last so long, "used" pairs actually hold their value, which is rare for kids' footwear.
- The "Mini-Me" Factor: Dads who own the 2007 originals or the later 4s want their kids to match. It’s a status thing.
I’ve talked to collectors who have waited years for a re-release. Rumors fly every season. "Oh, they're coming back in 2024," or "Wait for the 2025 holiday drop." Sometimes it’s a "Dark Mocha" or a "Cyber Monday" colorway instead. Close, but not quite the true Black Cat.
Sizing and Comfort: What You Actually Need to Know
Don't just buy the size your kid wears in Vans or Nikes. Jordans—specifically the 3s—run a bit differently.
The black cat 3s kids models have a bit of a wider toe box than the Jordan 1 or the Jordan 4. This is a godsend for kids with wider feet. However, the padding is thick. You’ve got that plush collar and the visible Air unit (in the GS sizes, at least).
If you're buying Grade School sizes, they usually fit true to size (TTS). But for Toddler sizes? They can be a bit stiff. You have to break them in. I’ve seen kids struggle with the laces because the leather is so premium and thick. Pro tip: swap the stock flat laces for some slightly thinner ones or even elastic "no-tie" laces if your kid isn't a pro at knots yet. It saves a lot of morning headaches.
How to Spot Fakes in Kids Sizes
Yeah, they make fake kids' shoes. It’s annoying.
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Because the black cat 3s kids are so valuable, the "replica" market is flooded. When you're looking at a pair on a resale app or at a local sneaker boutique, check the elephant print. On the authentic pairs, the "cracks" in the print are deep and defined. On fakes, it often looks like it was drawn on with a Sharpie.
Check the jumpman on the tongue. On kids' pairs, the stitching can be a little less precise than adult pairs, but it shouldn't look like Jordan has an extra arm or "stick man" legs. Also, smell them. I'm serious. Authentic Jordans have a specific "factory" smell. Fakes often smell like industrial glue or cheap plastic.
Styling the "All-Black" Look
It’s hard to mess this up.
Basically, everything works. Distressed denim? Yes. Joggers? Obviously. Even a little suit for a wedding? It’s a vibe.
The beauty of the black cat 3s kids is the lack of contrast. Without the white midsole that most Jordans have, the shoe doesn't "cut off" the leg line. It makes the whole outfit look more streamlined. I personally love seeing them paired with bright, neon socks just to give a tiny pop of color against the void of the black suede.
Is the Investment Worth It?
This is the $200 question. Or $300. Or whatever the market is demanding today.
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If you are a "one-and-done" type of parent who buys one pair of sneakers per school year, these are actually a great choice because they won't fall apart. They are tanks. However, if you're worried about the "flex," just know that the nubuck can get ashy over time.
You’re going to need a suede brush. Maybe a mink oil spray to keep the black looking "inky" and deep. If you let them get dusty, they start to look grey. And a grey "Black Cat" is just a "Grey Cat," which isn't nearly as cool.
What to Do Next
If you are dead set on getting a pair of black cat 3s kids for your family, stop checking the big box retailers like Foot Locker or Finish Line. They won't have them unless a surprise restock happens, which is about as likely as winning the lottery.
Your best bet is to hit the secondary market but be smart about it. Look for "Used - Excellent Condition" on GOAT. Often, a kid wore them twice to a birthday party and outgrew them. You can save $100 just by accepting a shoe that has touched a carpet once.
- Check local sneaker groups: Facebook Marketplace can be a goldmine for parents selling their kids' old heat.
- Verify the SKU: The product code for the 2007 GS version is 314304-061. Make sure it matches the box.
- Wait for the 2025/2026 rumors: Keep an eye on reputable leak accounts like @zsneakerheadz or @soleheatonfeet. They are usually the first to know if a "Black Cat" 3 is actually back on the production line.
Don't settle for the "Triple Black" Jordan 1 Mids just because they're available. There is something about the chunky, aggressive stance of the 3 that just hits different. It's a piece of history on a small scale. Keep hunting. The search is half the fun anyway.
Once you secure a pair, invest in a decent water and stain repellent immediately. Nubuck is a magnet for liquids, and one spilled juice box can ruin the "stealth" look you paid so much for. Brush the nap of the suede regularly to keep it from looking matted. If the soles start to yellow—though it's hard to see on black—a quick wipe with a damp cloth usually does the trick. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent the mid-sole from crumbling, though that's usually only an issue for pairs that are 10+ years old.
For those looking to sell later, keep the original box. A "Black Cat" 3 with a pristine box can fetch 20% more than a loose pair. It’s all about the presentation. Whether you're a collector or just a parent who wants their kid to have the best-looking feet on the block, these shoes are the gold standard. Just be prepared for the "Where'd you get those?" questions every time you step outside.
Most importantly, let the kids wear them. Shoes are meant to be walked in, jumped in, and lived in. Even if they are "Black Cats," they’re still just Jordans at the end of the day.