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The Air Jordan 3 is no stranger to modifications and takedown models — one doesn’t need to look any further than this year’s arrival of the budget-friendly Air Jordan Ultra. Yet it looks like Nike Inc.’s Jordan Brand has found yet another way to reinvent the classic model.
According to @zsneakerheadz and Sneaker Files, an all-new Air Jordan 3 Retro OG UT model is set to be released in early 2027. The new model’s “UT” distinction is short for Utility and as the name suggests, there are some key changes to the retro basketball shoe. While in-hand images aren’t yet available, a speculative mock-up that is said to accurately depict the modified model was shared.
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With a Black/Black/Black/Fire Red colorway, the upcoming Air Jordan 3 Retro OG UT will don an entirely black leather build with red shoelaces. Red also appears at a heel pull tab, which is a new addition to the Air Jordan 3 Utility variation. The pair’s heel and toe elephant print overlays appear to feature a metallic treatment, while the sneaker’s outsole will don a translucent look. Also new to the shoe is a new lace lock accessory on top of the shoelaces.
Originally released in 1988 and designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 3 has long been considered one of the most significant shoes in sneaker culture. It was notable for several design firsts including the debut of the now-iconic Jumpman logo, the incorporation of exotic elephant-inspired textures and being the first Air Jordan to feature visible Air cushioning. On court, Jordan famously wore the shoe while taking off from the free-throw line during the ’88 NBA dunk contest.
The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG UT is set to be released during spring 2027 for a to-be-determined retail price with expected availability from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Jordan Brand retailers. The style code for the sneaker is IX0198-001.