Jordan 3 Cement Football Cleats Review: Retro Style Meets Big-Time Protection
Introduction
When you think of Jordan cleats, style is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But with the new Jordan 3 Cement Mid TD football cleats, Nike and Jordan Brand are doing more than just dropping heat. They’re building something built for the trenches. With everyone online debating who these cleats are actually for, it’s time we settle the score once and for all.
Comfort
After spending most of this year reviewing lightweight skill cleats, stepping into the Jordan 3 Cement cleats felt like a whole different world. And honestly? I forgot how comfortable cleats could actually be. These things are plush. Underfoot, you’re getting a full Lunarlon midsole, which is soft, absorbent, and delivers legit cushioning on impact. The alpha traction plate underneath is nice and wide, which gives your foot more room to sit naturally instead of being pinched or overly compressed like most speed cleats.
The upper is packed with foam, from the ankle collar to the tongue, and everything is wrapped in thick layers of leather and padding. It’s a cozy experience from heel to toe. The only downside to all that comfort is breathability. There are some ventilation ports on the tongue and heel, but overall, the leather and foam construction means these cleats do run a bit hot. They’re definitely not as toasty as a Force Savage Elite, but you’ll feel the heat during long sessions in the sun.
Fit
Fit-wise, these cleats run true to size. Personally, I’ve been noticing that I’ve shifted down from a consistent 12.5 to a 12 across Nike’s football cleats, and these followed that same trend. If you want to try something similar in-store before ordering, the Jordan 1 cleat has a similar fit and should be easier to find locally. Once you’re in, the fit is secure, and the standard lacing setup gives you all the control you need to lock things down.
Protection
One of the biggest wins with the Jordan 3 Cement cleats is the protection. These are some of the most padded and reinforced cleats on the market today. The toebox alone has three layers of leather and padding stacked together. You’ll still feel it if someone stomps on your foot with metal-tipped studs, but these will protect you better than 90% of the cleats out there right now. For players who play physical positions or are in high-contact areas of the field, this is a huge benefit.
Traction
Nike stuck with their classic Alpha traction plate for this release, and while some folks were hoping for the newer X-Frame plate, I have no complaints. The Alpha plate is tried and true. The studs are long, sharp, and built for grass more than turf. If you’re playing on natural surfaces, you’ll appreciate how well these dig in and keep you grounded through cuts and contact. It’s a stable, high-performing plate, and I understand why Nike keeps using it.
Stability
These are a mid-cut cleat that hits a really nice balance between mobility and support. They’re not as tall as the Jordan 1 cleats, but they offer more ankle coverage than something like the Alpha Menace Pro. There’s no advanced ankle-locking tech in here—just good old-fashioned laces and a secure build. But thanks to the thick ankle foam and the mid height, these cleats feel incredibly stable. That extra ankle security makes a difference, especially for linemen or big skill players who need that extra support on every snap.
Style
When I opened the box, I expected to be blown away. But here’s the thing: the Jordan 3 silhouette has been around for over 20 years. The nostalgia factor is strong, but it didn’t feel new. That said, it still looks clean. The black cement colorway with elephant print and red accents is iconic. I’ve been rocking them as a coaching cleat, and they’ve held up well.
If you want more colorways, though, you might be disappointed for now. Nike tends to drop these in limited releases with classic colorways. But the Jordan 3 has a ton of potential with options like White Cement, Cool Grey, Black Cat, and UNC. In fact, schools like UNC and UCLA already got some player-exclusive versions, so there’s hope for more flavors to come.
Best Position
Alright, let’s settle the biggest debate: who are these cleats for? These are lineman cleats. Plain and simple. And I’ll give you two reasons why.
First, look at Nike’s drop strategy. Earlier this year, they dropped the LeBron Fruit Pebbles cleats on their big-skill platform (X-Frame). Then they dropped the Diamond Turf cleats with a skill platform and Edge plate. And now, the Jordan 3 Cement cleats—which are clearly positioned for linemen. One drop per segment. These round it out.
Second, the design. These cleats are mid-cut, well-padded, stable, and built like a tank. This is the next evolution of how they positioned the Jordan 1 cleat—a favorite among linemen like Nick Bosa and George Kittle. It’s not just for trench monsters, though. If you’re an interior linebacker, a tight end, or even a sturdy quarterback who wants extra support, these cleats can absolutely work for you too.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think Nike and Jordan Brand nailed what they were going for with the Jordan 3 Cement football cleats. They’re comfortable, supportive, protective, and bring a timeless aesthetic to the field. The Alpha traction plate gives you reliable footing, and the plush foam build makes them a joy to wear—as long as you’re not running deep post routes in July heat.
If you’re in the trenches, looking for that sweet spot of comfort and protection with a little retro flair, this might just be the best cleat of the year for you.
