Michael Jordan sneakers resurface with Nike's Fragment Design x Air Jordan 3 and Shattered Backboard re-release

Sneakerheads are crazy about Michael Jordan’s line of shoes that Nike has been releasing over the years. However, things go to another level when the sneakers are tagged as limited/special edition. People have been losing their minds over the fact that Nike is bringing back the Fragment Design x Air Jordan 3 and the upcoming Shattered Backboard re-release. Both these pairs of sneakers have unique designs and in this article, we will walk you through everything other than the designs that make these shoes so desirable among sneakerheads.


This special sneaker originally made its debut in 2019 at a Nike event in Hong Kong. It was a special collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Japanese label, Fragment Design. What made these shoes so rare and sought after is the fact that Fujiwara himself hinted years ago that these shoes would “never see a public release.”
As a result, the Fragment Design x Air Jordan 3s are considered a “holy grail” among sneaker enthusiasts. These sneakers are a visual masterpiece, featuring solid black panels on the toe cap and heel, complemented by white tumbled leather uppers. A striking mix of light gray and blue accents highlights the perforated sections, with blue details enhancing the Jumpman and Nike Air logos, the eyelets, and the text-trimmed midsole. The iconic lightning bolt logo on the heels further distinguishes these sneakers from other releases.
According to an Instagram reel by Sole Loco, the Fragment Design x Air Jordan 3 is valued at a staggering $130,000. So, it is not for the average human like most of us. Since it is out of the reach of common people, this shoe is a rare gem compared to the other releases.


The Fragments might not be something the majority of us can afford to buy but there is no need to be disheartened. Nike is planning to re-release the Shattered Backboard in September 2025. So, all hope is not lost. There is something to look forward to if you are planning on investing in a pair of sneakers.
Many see this as their opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. The Air Jordan 1 "Shattered Backboard" immediately established a legend in sneaker culture after being inspired by Michael Jordan's iconic performance at an exhibition game sponsored by Nike in Trieste, Italy, in 1985, where he destroyed the backboard with a forceful slam.
With an updated Black/Black-Sail-Starfish colorway, the 2025 re-release will offer sneakerheads a new interpretation of the iconic black and orange theme, putting a fresh spin on the original design. The re-release will retail for $180 and be available on Nike.com and in Jordan Brand stores. Fans will find this much-anticipated drop even more memorable because it will coincide with Jordan Brand's 40th anniversary.
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These two releases are just the beginning of the excitement. Sneakerheads have a lot to look forward to with the re-release of the Shattered Backboard and other releases, such as the Air Jordan 1 "Bred" and the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4. Fans can anticipate a lineup of incredible drops as Jordan Brand commemorates its 40th anniversary.