Ultra-Rare Air Jordan 3 "Khaki" Sample Is Releasing To The Public

BY Ben Atkinson
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Image via englishsole

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The rare Air Jordan 3 "Khaki" sample from 2011 is finally getting a retail release, confirmed for June 2027.

The Air Jordan 3 "Khaki" is officially set to release June 12th, 2027, for $215. This brings a long- rumored sample from 2011 to retail for the first time ever.

Only 3 pairs of the original sample were ever made, originally created to test how different materials held up on the Air Jordan 3 build. It stayed almost entirely out of public view for years, surfacing only through occasional collector photos.

Khaki suede covers most of the upper, a clear difference from the leather builds typically seen on this model. Navy blue fills the elephant print at the toe and heel, along with matching detailing on the eyelets.

Also white handles the laces, liner, heel tab, and much of the midsole, while a navy Jumpman sits on the heel. A translucent gum outsole finishes the design underfoot.

Full family sizing is expected at launch through Nike SNKRS and select retailers, including Foot Locker, Finish Line, Shiekh, and Hibbett. Given how long this pair stayed a rumor, official images alone are already generating plenty of attention.

Air Jordan 3 “Khaki”

Samples like this rarely make the jump to actual retail. This one existed purely as a materials test. It was never intended for public release when it was first created back in 2011.

Only a handful of collectors, including DJ Khaled, were ever confirmed to own an original pair. That kind of scarcity is exactly what turned this colorway into a quiet grail among serious Jordan collectors over the years.

The 2027 version will use Jordan Brand's current Air Jordan 3 shape rather than the older sample mold. That should matter to longtime collectors familiar with the original build. Of course newer fans who prefer the model's more recent proportions will enjoy this look more.

Overall turning a very rare sample into a general release is pretty unusual for Jordan Brand. For collectors who've tracked this pair for years, June 2027 finally closes out a story that started well over a decade ago.

About The Author
Benjamin Atkinson is a sneaker content writer at HotNewHipHop, where he has been covering the latest sneaker releases and industry news since 2023. With a deep understanding of the sneaker market, Ben regularly reports on exclusive sneaker drops, collaborations, and trends shaping the footwear world. From covering the return of top Nike releases to writing about Travis Scott's famous Air Jordan collaboration, Ben delivers in-depth content for the sneakerhead community. He also brings valuable insights from his former sneaker reselling business, Midwest Soles, which sharpens his expertise on the market.