SoleGRIND
This post contains affiliate links.
Every year Jordan Brand finds a new way to empty my wallet around the holidays, and 2026 is no different. The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG “Santa” is coming November 21 with a $215 price tag, and honestly, I did not expect to like this pair as much as I do.
The shoe is an IF4396-601 release that takes its inspiration from a classic Nike Christmas ad. You know the one. Santa’s feet dangling in a fireplace, rocking Jordans. That image gets referenced on the insoles, which is a detail that tells me someone at Jordan Brand actually cares about the story they are telling here.
Full red suede covers the upper. Not red leather, not red nubuck. Suede. That material choice alone sets this apart from most holiday releases we have seen from Jordan. The texture gives the color a depth that flat leather just cannot match. Elephant print on the toe and heel also lands in that deep red, keeping the signature AJ3 design language intact but monochromatic.
White hits the eyestays, tongue, collar, and midsole. It reads as snow without being gimmicky. The contrast is clean. Black takes care of the Nike Air heel tab and the outsole, which I assume is a “coal” nod for anyone on the naughty list. Clever touch without screaming the theme at you.
The extra laces are where Jordan Brand flexes. You get red and green laces plus a set of fluffy white laces meant to mirror the fur trim on Santa’s suit. That is the kind of detail that separates a themed shoe from a costume shoe. The fluffy white laces might be a bit much for everyday wear, but I appreciate the option.
Now let me address the elephant in the room. Some people are asking why this is not an Air Jordan 1 instead of a 3. The Christmas ad featured the AJ1 Chicago, after all. I get that criticism, but I think the 3 actually works better here. The elephant print gives the design more surface area to play with. The silhouette is chunkier, which suits a winter holiday release. And honestly, the AJ3 has not had a truly memorable holiday-themed colorway before. This fills a gap.
At $215, this is priced above the standard AJ3 Retro. The OG True Blue released at $215 as well, so this is in line with current Jordan 3 pricing. The suede construction and the themed accessories justify the premium to some degree. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you care about the holiday angle.
The release date of November 21 gives you a full month before Christmas. Smart move. This gives resellers less leverage and gives everyone a fair shot at retail. I expect these to sell through quickly because holiday-themed Jordans tend to do well on the secondary market once the season hits full swing. People who missed the drop will be paying a premium in December.
If you are a Jordan collector who grabs every 3, this is a no-brainer. If you are selective, the full red suede look is distinctive enough that it will not blend into your rotation. It stands on its own. The Santa theme is there if you want to lean into it, but the shoe also works as a bold red AJ3 for someone who does not care about Christmas at all. That versatility is what makes this release better than I expected.
