Among all the Air Jordan 3 releases Jordan Brand has cooked up, the Air Jordan 3 RTNA sits in the locked vault. No retail drop. No SNKRS heartbreak. Just a clean, unreleased pair sneakerheads still whisper about, usually while staring at their shelves, wondering how this one slipped away.
A Closer Look At The Air Jordan 3 RTNA
Back in 2021, Jordan Brand developed this unique sneaker together with research firm Lifescaped and Nike designer Tinker Hatfield. The sneaker features a thin RTNA coating that selectively reflects specific wavelengths of light, creating an iridescent effect that mimics butterfly wings and beetle shells without the need for pigments or dyes.
The sneaker also boasts a sleek and futuristic design with silver leather uppers and iridescent heel and toe details that give it a truly eye-catching appearance. Finally, the sneaker also has an outsole composed of Nike’s environmentally friendly Grind material and an insole made from recycled cork materials with laser-etched embellishments that speak to its theme of sustainability.
A few celebrities, including Fat Joe, were able to obtain the rare pair. Still, your average sneakerhead could only ever see the design in pictures or in person at Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
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What We Like About The Sneakers
Jordan Brand’s Air Jordan 3 RTNA is regarded as one of the most innovative designs in the AJ3 roster. A futuristic look, distinctive design features, and sustainable materials? The sneaker is the ideal fusion of style and environmental consciousness.
Will We Ever See a Release?
Sadly, the design won’t be released to the public just yet. The working model is still just a concept, as the RTNA coating on the sneaker isn’t yet durable enough to endure regular use. Hopefully, though, Jordan Brand will keep refining the design so that sneakerheads can eventually get their hands on this innovative and eco-friendly footwear option.
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