The Air Jordan 3 is getting a Santa makeover, and this one is only for kids. The "Santa" arrives on November 21st through SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers.
Sizing and pricing are simple. Grade school pairs cost $155, preschool pairs cost $95, and toddler pairs cost $80.
Overall, the look is easy to read. Red leather covers most of the upper, with deeper red on the toe and heel. White shows up on the tongue and eyestays, and a red Jumpman sits on the tongue.
At the back, the black heel panel carries a small gold Jumpman and the word AIR. It is a clean finish for a holiday pair. The inside is where things get playful. A shaggy black lining wraps the ankle opening, which is rare for an Air Jordan 3. Overall it makes the shoe feel cozy.
The insoles carry the best story. Their artwork comes from a Nike holiday ad in 1985. The ad pictured Santa dropping down a chimney in Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" sneakers.
Adults get a different option as the Air Jordan 3 "Not Nice" arrives on the same day. Together, the two pairs tell one holiday story. That is a smart way to split the release.
Air Jordan 3 "Santa"
The 1985 ad is a nice piece of Jordan history. It came out when the Air Jordan 1 was brand new, and the line was just getting started.
Using it on an Air Jordan 3 is a little unexpected. Many fans would have liked to see the Air Jordan 1 used as the canvas. Still, the Air Jordan 3 is a great holiday shoe.
The red leather and white details give it a clean look, even with the holiday theme. The fuzzy lining stays on the inside, so it does not overwhelm the design.
Kids pairs like this are popular gifts, and the timing is smart. November 21st lands before Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
The "Not Nice" pair is the adult option. It has a dark, worn-looking upper with red elephant print, plus a stitched "Not Nice" label under the heel tab. It is a very different take on the same story.
