Official Preview of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 "Rio"

The long-awaited sequel is expected to release later this month.

Footwear
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Update: The time for the J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Rio” to hit shelves is almost here. With that, an official preview of the sneaker has been unveiled. While we await the delivery of the complete range of official Nike imagery, a sneak peek at the brand’s visual breakdown indicates what to expect from the shoe. Its black build is joined by colorful gradients and gold Jumpman branding at the tongue, all the while being accompanied by a special hangtag. Release remains anticipated for May 22 via Nike and select retailers at a price of $250 USD.


Update: It has been 8 months since we first caught a glimpse at J Balvin’s Air Jordan 3 “Rio.” Now, we have a closer look and a better idea as to when the much-anticipated sneaker will be touching down on shelves. Equipped once again with purple to yellow gradients, the “Rio” pair serves as the successor to last year’s “Medellín Sunset,” this time paying homage to the Colombian artist’s son. For more info about the pair, check out our initial coverage below as release for the sneaker is now scheduled to take place on May 22 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers at a starting price of $250 USD.


Original Story: While J Balvin being spotted playing a game of outdoor basketball in New York City with Jimmy Butler might already be enough to be a head turner, it was his footwear that caught the attention of onlookers. Unveiling his fourth Jordan Brand collaboration, the Air Jordan 3 appears in a never-before-seen colorway named “Rio.” The Colombian singer’s first partnership with the brand was in December 2020, introducing the Air Jordan 1 “Colores Y Vibras” followed by the Air Jordan 2 in 2022 and in 2023, the Air Jordan 3 “Medellín Sunset.”

Now, set to arrive next year, the “Rio” colorway is named after his son, who was born in June 2021. The upcoming shoe is a sleek, black iteration of the popular mode, arriving in a black, solar flare and total crimson abyss color scheme. The base of the shoe is covered in an all-black leather base featuring grey elephant print overlays on the toe and heels. Additional details include the mult-color gradient midsole, translucent heel tabs featuring J Balvin’s logo and other unique elements to connect the silhouette to his son Rio.

Look out for the J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 “Rio” arriving in Summer 2024 at select retailers and online at Nike for $250 USD.

In other footwear news, the Nike Air Max 97 gets dressed in “Olive” hues.

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