The "Shattered Backboard" colorway is basically royalty in the sneaker world. You know the story. 1985. Trieste, Italy. Michael Jordan dunks so hard the glass explodes. It’s a moment frozen in time, and for years, that specific orange, black, and white palette belonged almost exclusively to the Air Jordan 1. But things change. Jordan Brand likes to experiment. Enter the Air Jordan 3 Shattered Backboard Tex, a release that takes that legendary DNA and moves it onto the silhouette that saved Nike back in the late 80s.
It's a weird one. Honestly.
When people think of the AJ3, they think of tumbled leather and elephant print. They think of Tinker Hatfield. This "Tex" version—short for textile—throws a bit of a curveball at the traditionalists. It isn't just a color swap; it’s a material overhaul that changes how the shoe feels on foot and how it ages over time. Some people hate the departure from leather. Others? They’re just happy to see the Starfish orange hitting a different model for once.
The Material Shift: What Exactly is "Tex" on this Jordan 3?
Most Jordan 3s rely on that heavy, pebbled leather. It’s iconic. But the Air Jordan 3 Shattered Backboard Tex swaps out large chunks of that traditional build for heavy-duty textile materials. We’re talking about a high-denier canvas or nylon-style weave that replaces the mid-foot and toe box panels.
Why do this? Breathability is one factor. Weight is another. Leather is heavy. Textiles are light.
But there’s a deeper reason: durability. The "Tex" designation often points toward a shoe built to handle more than just a light stroll to the coffee shop. This material doesn't crease the way leather does. You won't see those deep, ugly gashes across the toe box after three wears. Instead, you get a material that holds its shape, though it does require a different kind of cleaning kit if you spill something on it.
The color blocking stays true to the Shattered Backboard heritage. You've got the Starfish orange hitting the collar and parts of the midsole. The black hits provide that necessary contrast. But look closer at the elephant print. On this version, it’s often rendered with a more modern, sharper etch than the "reimagined" series we've seen lately. It’s crisp. It’s loud. It’s exactly what a 3 should be.
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Why the Shattered Backboard Legacy Still Moves the Needle
Let's be real for a second. Jordan Brand puts out a lot of shoes. Too many? Maybe. But the Shattered Backboard (SBB) name still carries weight because it represents a specific kind of "cool." It’s not just a color. It’s a vibe. When the original AJ1 SBB dropped in 2015, the leather quality was so good it became the benchmark for every Jordan release afterward.
The Air Jordan 3 Shattered Backboard Tex has a lot to live up to.
It’s an interesting choice to bring this to the 3. Usually, the SBB colors go to the 1, the 5, or even the 31. By putting it on the 3, Jordan Brand is targeting the lifestyle crowd. This isn't a hoop shoe anymore. It hasn't been since 1988. It's a fashion staple. The orange is bold, but because it's grounded by black and sail (or white) tones, it doesn't feel like a traffic cone on your feet. It feels premium. It feels intentional.
The Elephant Print Problem
Purists are picky. If the elephant print is too high, they complain. If it’s too dark, they complain. On the Air Jordan 3 Shattered Backboard Tex, the print serves as the anchor. Because the textile upper is a departure from the norm, the elephant print has to do the heavy lifting to remind everyone that "Yes, this is still a Jordan 3."
Interestingly, the texture on the "Tex" version feels a bit more rugged. It’s less about mimicking a luxury handbag and more about looking like a piece of equipment. It’s a subtle shift, but if you’ve owned twenty pairs of 3s, you’ll notice it immediately.
Performance vs. Aesthetics: Who is this shoe for?
If you're planning on playing a pickup game in these, maybe don't. While the textile upper is tough, the Jordan 3 midsole tech—essentially a pressurized air unit in the heel and a foam forefoot—is 1980s tech. It’s stiff. It takes time to break in.
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This shoe is for the person who wants the look of a classic without the "delicate" nature of premium leather. You can wear these to a music festival. You can wear them in the rain (mostly). The textile won't soak up water and warp like thin cowhide.
- Longevity: Better than leather in terms of structural integrity.
- Comfort: Slightly stiffer at first, but breathes better in summer.
- Style: Pairs perfectly with black denim or cargos.
You’ve got to think about the "Shattered Backboard" name as a mark of quality. Even if the materials change, the expectation is that these won't fall apart. Jordan Brand knows that the SBB enthusiasts are some of the most vocal critics in the community. They can't afford to mess it up.
Sizing and Fit: The Practical Stuff
Don't overthink the sizing on the Air Jordan 3 Shattered Backboard Tex. It fits like every other Jordan 3. If you have a wide foot, you might find the pinky toe area a bit snug because of the reinforced textile, but generally, true-to-size (TTS) is the way to go.
If you usually wear a 10 in Nikes, buy a 10.
One thing to watch out for: the tongue. The 3 is famous for that plush, padded tongue. On the Tex version, they’ve kept that comfort but adjusted the backing material so it doesn't slide around as much. It’s a small win, but your ankles will thank you after an eight-hour day of walking.
The Resale Reality and Market Value
Let's talk money. The sneaker market isn't what it was in 2020. Everything isn't an instant flip for $500 profit. The Air Jordan 3 Shattered Backboard Tex is a "wearer's shoe." This means while it might sell out, you aren't going to see astronomical prices on the secondary market right away.
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That’s actually good news for you.
It means if you want them, you can likely get them without selling a kidney. It also means you don't have to feel guilty about actually putting them on your feet and walking outside. Sneakers are meant to be worn. The textile build practically begs for it.
Final Thoughts on the Shattered Backboard 3
Is it the best Shattered Backboard ever? No. That’s still the 2015 AJ1. But is it a necessary evolution? Yeah, probably. We can only see so many leather 3s before they all start to look the same. By introducing the "Tex" elements, Jordan Brand is pushing the silhouette into a more utilitarian space.
It’s bold. It’s bright. It’s a bit controversial.
But that’s exactly what Michael Jordan was when he shattered that backboard in Italy. He wasn't following the rules. He was just playing the game harder than everyone else. This shoe carries a bit of that energy. It’s not for everyone, and that’s precisely why it works.
Actionable Insights for Buyers:
- Check the Weave: When you get your pair, inspect the textile panels for any loose threads. Unlike leather, textiles can snag if there's a manufacturing defect.
- Weatherproofing: Grab a specialized fabric protector spray. While the "Tex" is durable, orange fabric is a magnet for dirt. A quick spray before the first wear will save you hours of scrubbing later.
- Lace Swap: The stock laces are fine, but swapping in a pair of cream or "Sail" laces can give the shoe a much more vintage, high-end look that complements the Starfish orange perfectly.
- Rotation: Don't wear them every single day. Even though they are durable, the foam in the midsole needs time to decompress between wears to prevent premature "paint cracking," a common issue with the Jordan 3.