At ComplexCon 2025, sneaker surprises came fast, but one that stole the spotlight was from RIF LA. During a live Sneaker Shopping segment, the boutique revealed an unreleased Air Jordan 3 “El Vuelo” Sample, instantly grabbing the attention of collectors and Kobe-era Jordan fans alike.
Maintaining the wing-shaped overlays of the 2025 retail release, this unissued variation notably swaps its primary color palette of brighter tones for an all-black and metallic bronze colorway. An additional touch of upmarket luxury comes from a snakeskin-like textured paneling while glossy midsoles further help to accentuate the overall design. This muted reimagining serves up a more stealthy reinterpretation that is undeniably both luxe and retro-inspired at the same time, so much so that it almost recalls the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cat” from the mid-2000s.
Reportedly a sample pair in darker hues, this shoe was likely a wear-test prototype that was created even before the finished production model of the retro was approved by Jordan Brand. That makes this find even more intriguing—proof that even behind-the-scenes versions can carry major appeal.
For now, the Air Jordan 3 “El Vuelo” Black Sample remains unreleased, but it’s another chapter in Jordan Brand’s legacy of pushing creative boundaries through exclusives and experimental design.
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Photos: Complex / RIF LA
