More Than Triple-Black: The ‘Black Cat’ Story from MJ’s Nickname to the 2025 Retros

2025 could be named the year of the ‘Black Cat’. In January, the Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘Black Cat’ was released, followed by the Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ in November. At first glance, it’s a clean black look on some of Jordan’s most classic silhouettes. But on closer inspection, this is a colourway with a rich history.

Let’s dive into the story behind the ‘Black Cat’, or Panther, Michael Jordan’s alter ego…

What not everybody knows: the ‘Black Cat’ is more than just a simple triple-black colorway; it’s a core piece of Michael Jordan’s identity. The two ‘Black Cat’ retro designs that returned this year remind collectors and sneaker enthusiasts alike that this isn’t just another triple-black colourway: it’s a core piece of Jordan DNA.

The ‘Black Cat’ legacy has been carefully curated over decades, and this is what it looks like:

May we present: This is the origin story of His Airness aka The Panther

The ‘Black Cat’ theme only exists because of Michael Jordan himself. His peers dubbed him the ‘Black Cat’ for his panther-like agility and predatory instincts. His stealthy, lightning-quick style on the court earned him the nickname, as did his uncanny ability to appear out of nowhere. The term was used by teammates and rivals alike, especially in his early career.

Then none other than Tinker Hatfield steps in our story: the designer responsible for iconic Nike and Jordan models like the Air Max 1, Air Jordan 3, Air Trainer, and more. He turned MJs nickname into sneaker lore with the first Air Jordan 13 ‘Black Cat’ in 1997. The sneakers outsole mimicked a panther’s paw, complete with a holographic “eye” on the heel.

Conceptually, the AJ13 is where the ‘Black Cat’ story begins, a design that’s as clever as it is iconic.

The rest is history, as they say… The ‘Black Cat’ archive shows a legacy of stealth, with more silhouettes adopting this special look over the past few years. One thing can be said for sure: for collectors, the ‘Black Cat’ isn’t just a theme, it’s a legacy, and with it comes a timeline of significant releases.

Let’s take a look at this legacy of stealth, before we take a closer look at the 2025 retro releases below!

A Closer Look at The Black Cat Archive

After the Air Jordan 13 ‘Black Cat’ in 1997, these were some of the most significant ‘Black Cat’ releases from the past years:

Comeback of a Legend – The 2025 ‘Black Cat’ Revival

Our little history is about to come to an end. For now, that is. Because in 2025, the ‘Black Cat’ theme and hype reached new heights once more. As mentioned above, two classic Jordan models got a retro.

The Air Jordan 3 ‘Black Cat’ returned in January 2025, a retro of the 2007 classic. Known for its sleek, all-black construction and unique patent leather, it reminded collectors why the ‘Black Cat’ is more than just a colourway.

The Holiday 2025 Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ was another release everyone had been waiting for. The legendary AJ4, first introduced in 2006 and later retroed in 2020, came back in all-black nubuck with graphite eyelets and a blacked-out sole.

It’s a study in understated perfection and, for the modern generation, defines the ‘Black Cat’ ethos.

Both designs dropped in full family sizing. You can still shop these highly sought-after looks at GOAT and Flight Club.

A Timeless Legacy

Will this be the end of ‘Black Cat’ colourways from the Jordan Brand? We highly doubt it!

We’re sure the ‘Black Cat’ endures because it’s a timeless, versatile look. But let’s not forget how intimately this design is tied to Michael Jordan’s persona. The ‘Black Cat’ remains a cornerstone of sneaker history, proof that sometimes the simplest colourway carries the deepest story.

Even other brands pay tribute to this legacy. You might remember the popular New Balance 9060 ‘Black Cat’, which made waves earlier this year.

Want to be part of that legacy? Make sure to get your very own Black Cat!

Will there be more ‘Black Cat’ designs in the future? Keep an eye on our socials @thedropdate so you don’t miss any news!