Jordan Brand confirms the Air Jordan 3 El Vuelo release for September 20, 2025. Priced at $230 USD, the sneaker will arrive on Nike’s SNKRS platform and at select Jordan retailers worldwide. The launch carries forward Jordan Brand’s focus on Mexico, connecting basketball culture with the country’s traditions of performance and showmanship.
The design draws directly from Mexico City’s lucha libre heritage. Mask-inspired overlays carry jagged edges and reptilian textures, echoing the armor-like patterns wrestlers wear into the ring. A Summit White leather base provides structure, while Pine Green and Dragon Red accents trace the national flag’s palette along the collar, forefoot, and heel. Metallic Gold details finish the look, covering eyelets and the Jumpman emblem with the gleam of a champion’s belt.
Details extend inside the shoe, where the tongue lining reads “más vale maña que fuerza.” The Spanish phrase translates to “skill over strength,” a fitting nod to lucha libre’s tactical artistry. This inner message grounds the sneaker in cultural wisdom while reinforcing its connection to Mexico City. The scaly collar and overlay design continue the motif, adding a layered texture uncommon in previous AJ3 releases.
The Air Jordan 3 “El Vuelo” also pays attention to packaging. Each pair ships in a custom box styled like a vintage lucha libre poster. Bold graphics and poster typography bring the energy of fight promotions to sneaker culture, making the unboxing process part of the story. This choice ties the sneaker to wrestling arenas, where luchadores flip and fly in front of roaring crowds.
Performance elements remain intact. The visible Air-Sole unit sits in the heel, cushioning steps with the same technology that defined the original AJ3 in 1988. While the overlays move in a new direction, the overall shape and build of the silhouette stay true to its basketball origins, ensuring wearers experience the mix of sport and style that defines the model.
The release follows Jordan Brand’s 2024 Air Jordan 5 “El Grito,” which honored Mexico’s Independence Day. Together, these models showcase the brand’s investment in Mexico’s cultural energy and its growing sneaker community. Where the AJ5 marked a historic moment, the AJ3 “El Vuelo” connects movement on the court with movement in the ring, showing how both Michael Jordan and luchadores built legacies through flight.
Model: Air Jordan 3 Retro “El Vuelo”
Colorway: Summit White/Metallic Gold/Pine Green/Dragon Red/Sail
Price: 230.00 USD
Release Date: September 20
Available at: Nike SNKRS and select retailers
