What started as a quiet leak (with many mockup designs based on rumours) has now burst into full bloom with the first official images and release details of the Air Jordan 3 “Starfish”, which arrives in Summer 2025. And, honestly, this one is very different from what many were expecting.
Jordan Brand is going big for its 40th anniversary in 2025, but the celebration might need more than nostalgia to keep the party going. Sneaker sales are slowing, Nike’s stock has taken a huge dip since January, and price hikes are coming thanks to the tariffs. Basically, it’s not 2020 anymore, and Jordans aren’t flying off shelves the way they used to.
Take the Air Jordan 3 “Rare Air”, for example. Two years ago, these would’ve sold out in seconds. But now, we can see pairs on shelves sitting a week later. That’s almost unheard of. So, how does Jordan Brand plan to change things up? Enter the Air Jordan 3 “Starfish.”
Gone is the signature elephant print. Instead, the “Starfish” drops with a full textile build, which is a rarity for this silhouette. It’s dressed in Sail and Starfish Orange with natural-looking woven materials that give it a wheat-like texture. If you’re thinking of the Nina Chanel Abney collab, you’re not far off. There’s a similar vibe, but the Starfish adds its own twist.
Orange suede hits the toe and heel, while tonal canvas panels sit on the collar and overlays. Aged Sail midsoles and translucent outsoles are in, and they’re present here too. But no leather. No nubuck. Just straight-up texture.
And, of course, people are talking. “Hell nah,” someone bluntly posted on X. “Looks like it’s gonna be hard to clean when it gets dirty,” wrote another Twitter user, clearly already imagining the horror of muddy sneakers. “No thanks, I do like the orange tho lol,” laughed another commenter on X. Another person summed up most of the reactions with, “Why the canvas :(.”
So, who is the Air Jordan 3 “Starfish” actually for? It’s releasing in women’s sizing in Summer 2025, and it’s marketed to ladies. That said, it’s definitely one of the more unisex Air Jordan 3 releases of the year. But will sneakerheads actually purchase them? That’s the big question. Most heads seem to want their Jordans the way they remember them, in leather, with elephant print, and clean lines. This definitely isn’t that.
Still, for those of us who enjoy a bit of experimentation, the “Starfish” offers something fresh. But if you’re on the fence, there’s always the Nina Chanel x Air Jordan 3 “Starfish” collab to look forward to. It might actually be the better sneaker to pick up.
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Air Jordan 3 "Starfish" |
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| SKU / Style Code: IH7694-800 |
| Retail Price: $200 |
| Release Date: 12 July 2025 |
| Colours: Orange Trance/Sail/Starfish |
| Where to Buy: Nike Snkrs |
