Let’s be real for a second. The sneaker world is obsessed with the "Reimagined" series and those endless collaborations with Travis Scott that disappear in seconds. But while everyone is busy fighting bots for a pair of reverse mochas, a sleeper hit has been sitting right under our noses. I’m talking about the Air Jordan 3 Black Gold. Specifically, the "Black Cement Gold" (or simply the Women’s Air Jordan 3 "Black Gold") that dropped back in late 2022. It didn't get the earth-shattering hype of a Lost & Found 1, and honestly? That’s exactly why it’s great.
It’s a vibe.
Some people call it the "Gold Cement." Others just see it as a remix of the greatest sneaker of all time—the original Black Cement 3. But if you look closer, this shoe isn't trying to be a 1988 throwback. It’s doing its own thing. It swaps out the classic grey leather around the collar and tongue for a shimmering, metallic "University Gold" that catches the light without looking like a cheap trophy. If you’ve ever felt like the OG Black Cements were a little too "dad shoe" for a night out, this is the correction you didn't know you needed.
The Design DNA: More Than Just a Color Swap
The Air Jordan 3 is the shoe that saved Nike. Legend has it Michael Jordan was ready to walk away from the Swoosh until Tinker Hatfield showed him the AJ3. He put the elephant print on it. He put the visible Air unit in the heel. He made it mid-top. It was a revolution.
Now, take that blueprint and dip it in a bit of luxury. The Air Jordan 3 Black Gold features a tumbled black leather upper that feels surprisingly premium. You know that stiff, plastic-y leather Jordan Brand sometimes uses on mid-tier releases? This isn't that. It’s soft. It has texture. The elephant print—the iconic grey and black cracked pattern—sits on the toe and heel exactly where it belongs.
But the "Gold" is the protagonist here.
The tongue is hit with that metallic finish, and the eyelets follow suit. It’s a colorway that feels expensive. In a world of "Panda" Dunks that everyone and their mother is wearing, the Black Gold 3 feels like a choice. It’s for the person who wants the heritage of Jordan Brand but wants to stand out at a wedding or a high-end dinner. It bridges the gap between streetwear and actual fashion.
The Women’s Exclusive "Problem"
Here is the thing that drives collectors crazy: this was technically a "Women’s" release.
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In the sneaker world, that usually means two things. One, the sizing only goes up to a certain point (usually a men’s 10.5 or 11). Two, some guys won't touch them because of the label on the box. Their loss. The Air Jordan 3 Black Gold is functionally a unisex shoe. There is nothing inherently feminine about black leather and gold accents. In fact, some of the best Jordan colorways of the last five years have been women’s exclusives—think the "A Ma Maniére" 3s.
If you have a foot larger than a men's 10.5, you might be out of luck, which is a genuine shame because the craftsmanship on these often exceeds the standard "men’s" GR (General Release) pairs. Nike tends to put a little more effort into the materials of these "Special Edition" (SE) women's drops to justify the $200 price tag.
Why the Resell Market Ignored Them (And Why You Should Care)
Usually, when a Jordan 3 drops, the resellers pounce. But the Air Jordan 3 Black Gold had a weird trajectory. It released during a time when the market was cooling off, and people were saving their money for the "Cherry" 11s or the "White Cement Reimagined."
Because of that, you can still find these for relatively close to retail on platforms like StockX or GOAT.
That’s a gift.
Most "hype" shoes are miserable to actually wear because you’re constantly worried about the $500 resale value dropping if you get a crease in the toe box. But with the Black Gold 3, you get a premium, head-turning sneaker that you can actually wear. You can take them to the grocery store. You can wear them in the rain (well, maybe not a downpour, but they hold up).
Breaking Down the Materials
- Upper: Black tumbled leather. It’s durable and hides creases better than smooth leather.
- Overlays: Classic Cement Grey elephant print.
- Accents: "University Gold" on the tongue, ankle collar, and eyelets.
- Midsole: Sail/White. The slightly off-white "Sail" color gives it a tiny bit of a vintage feel without going full "yellowed" like the neo-vintage trend.
- Branding: The Jumpman on the heel. Some purists demand the "Nike Air" logo, but let’s be real—the Jumpman looks cleaner with the gold accents.
How to Style These Without Looking Like a Newbie
The biggest mistake people make with gold sneakers is trying to match the gold too perfectly. Don't go out and buy a metallic gold jacket to match your Air Jordan 3 Black Gold. Please.
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Instead, let the shoes be the loud part of the outfit.
Black jeans are an easy win. The black leather of the shoe blends into the denim, making the gold pops and the elephant print really jump out. If you’re feeling more casual, grey fleece sweats (like Nike Tech Fleece or some heavyweight Essentials) pick up the grey in the elephant print perfectly.
I’ve even seen people pull these off with a suit. Because the gold isn't neon or "yellow," it has a jewelry-like quality. Think of it as an accessory, like a watch. It’s a hit of metallic flair at the bottom of a dark silhouette.
The Comfort Factor: Can You Actually Walk in These?
Tinker Hatfield designed the Jordan 3 to be a performance basketball shoe, but by 2026 standards, it’s a lifestyle cruiser. It’s "heavy" compared to a modern running shoe, but it’s sturdy. The Air unit in the heel provides decent cushioning, but don't expect the "cloud-like" feel of Boost or ZoomX.
The real comfort comes from the collar padding. The 3 is famous for having a plush, pillowy feel around the ankle. Once the tumbled leather breaks in—which takes about three or four good wears—they become one of those shoes you can stay in all day.
One thing to watch out for: the toe box on the 3 can be a bit narrow for people with wide feet. If you’re on the edge, always go up half a size, especially since these are women’s sizes (remember to add 1.5 to your men’s size).
Fact-Checking the "Black Gold" Legacy
There’s often confusion between this pair and the "Sport Blue" or the "Rio" versions. It's important to clarify that the Air Jordan 3 Black Gold we're talking about (style code CK9246-067) is a distinct nod to the "Black Cement" heritage but uses gold as a luxury pivot.
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Some influencers tried to claim these were a collaboration or a limited "Friends and Family" pair when leaks first surfaced. They weren't. They were a wide-release lifestyle drop. But because they didn't have a "Travis Scott" or "Off-White" name attached to them, they stayed under the radar.
That "under the radar" status is exactly what gives them longevity. Trends move so fast now that "hyped" shoes look dated after six months. A black, gold, and grey Jordan 3 is timeless. It looked good in 1988, it looked good in 2022, and it looks good now.
What to Check Before You Buy
If you're hunting for a pair of Air Jordan 3 Black Gold today, you need to be smart.
- The Elephant Print Height: On authentic pairs, the elephant print on the toe shouldn't be too high. If it looks like it's taking up half the toe box, it's a red flag.
- The Gold Texture: The gold parts should have a subtle shimmer, not a glittery or flakey look. It should feel like finished leather.
- The Smell: It sounds weird, but real Jordans have a specific "factory" smell. If they smell like overwhelming chemicals or superglue, stay away.
- The Box: Ensure it’s the correct black and gold box. Sometimes sellers try to swap them into generic Jordan boxes.
The Practical Verdict
Is the Air Jordan 3 Black Gold a "must-have"?
If you’re a collector who only buys for investment, maybe not. These aren't going to triple in price overnight. But if you’re someone who actually wears your shoes and wants something that looks sophisticated, durable, and slightly different from the crowd, these are a massive win.
They provide the "Black Cement" aesthetic with a literal golden touch. They are the perfect middle ground between a "boring" everyday sneaker and a "too-loud" statement piece.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Check the Sizing: Confirm your size in Women’s (US) before hitting the secondary market. If you are a men’s 9, you need a women’s 10.5.
- Inspect the Midsole: If buying used, check for "paint cracking" on the midsole, a common issue with Jordan 3s that haven't been stored properly.
- Invest in Cedar Shoe Trees: The tumbled leather on the Black Gold 3 is soft, which means it can lose its shape if left sitting in a pile. Use shoe trees to keep that iconic silhouette sharp.
- Swap the Laces: If the black laces feel too muted, try a pair of "Sail" laces to match the midsole. It completely changes the look of the shoe and makes the gold pop even more.
The era of chasing every single hyped release is over. The smart move now is finding the "B-sides"—the shoes that the masses overlooked but the experts know are high quality. The Black Gold 3 is exactly that. It's a premium take on a legendary shape, and it's probably the most versatile shoe you don't own yet.