SoleGRIND
| 👟 Sneaker Release Info | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jordan Brand |
| Model | Air Jordan 3 |
| Colorway | what really sells it though |
| Style Code | BQ8463-003 |
| Release Date | February 28, 2019 |
| Retail Price | $145 |
| Available At | Nike.com |
Jordan Brand’s “Reimagined” series was this experimental space they created back in 2018 where they basically said, let’s mess with the classics and see what happens. Some of the results were genuinely surprising. The Air Jordan 3 Explorer “Tropical Twist” is one of those shoes that still makes people stop and look twice.
First thing you notice is the strap. The AJ3 Explorer takes the classic 3 silhouette and adds this extended collar with a big buckle strap across the top. It’s almost boot-like. Some people loved it, some hated it. I personally think it’s one of the more interesting things Jordan Brand has done with the 3 in years. The 3 is a shoe that’s been done to death in standard colorways, so seeing them actually experiment with the construction feels fresh.
The colorway is what really sells it though. Vast Grey, Tropical Twist, and Atmosphere Grey. That Tropical Twist teal is the star here. It hits the patent leather mudguard, the midsole, the eyelets, and the translucent outsole. Against all that grey, the teal just pops. It’s not subtle. This is a shoe that wants to be noticed.
The upper uses canvas and patent leather, which is a combo you don’t see every day on a Jordan 3. The Reimagined series was all about mixing materials that wouldn’t normally go together. The canvas gives it a more casual, almost utility feel while the patent leather on the mudguard keeps that signature AJ3 shine. It’s a weird mix but it works.
These dropped on February 28, 2019 for $145 retail. SKU is BQ8463-003. This was a women’s exclusive release, which honestly made it even harder to get for a lot of people. Women’s exclusives from Jordan Brand have been consistently some of the best colorways they put out, and this one is no exception. The problem is they always produce fewer pairs and the resale market ends up being brutal.
What I really appreciate about this shoe is that it didn’t play it safe. Jordan Brand could have just slapped teal on a standard AJ3 and called it a day. Instead they reworked the entire upper, added a strap, changed the materials, and made something that actually looks different from every other Jordan 3 on the shelf. That takes guts. Even if the Explorer silhouette isn’t for everyone, I’d rather see them take risks like this than release yet another white and grey colorway.
The Reimagined series also included other Explorer colorways like the Midnight Navy and the Black Sail versions. All of them shared that same modified upper with the strap and buckle. But the Tropical Twist is the one that stands out most. That teal on grey combination is just visually striking in a way the other colorways aren’t.
Looking back at it now, the Explorer line was kind of ahead of its time. We’re seeing more and more brands experiment with hybrid silhouettes and modified uppers. The AJ3 Explorer did that back in 2019. If you managed to grab a pair when they dropped, you’ve got something pretty unique in your collection. If not, they’re not easy to find these days. Worth keeping an eye out though.
