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Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture

The Air Jordan 3 "Laser" swaps the classic elephant print for laser-etched texturing, pairing Phantom and University Red with Palomino accents. Dropping August 22 for $230.

Reese Yang, Commerce Editor
Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture

Elephant print has been the Air Jordan 3's signature since 1988, but this time it's gone. In its place, the entire upper gets a laser-etched texture — and the shoe is officially named "Laser." The message is clear: this isn't just a new colorway, it's a swap in material language altogether.

Under style code JA1369-001, the shoe rocks a Phantom base with University Red accents, while the spots that would normally carry elephant print are now rendered in a Palomino tone. Gone is the bumpy, textured grain — replaced by clean, linear laser etching that gives the upper a flatter, more industrial look. Love it or hate it, it's a rare instance of Jordan Brand tampering with the elephant print's core identity.

The release is set for August 22, 2026, dropping on Nike.com and select retailers at $230 — a slightly higher price point than the standard Air Jordan 3, likely reflecting the cost of the laser work.

No word yet on whether Taiwan will get a simultaneous release or when stock might land locally, so keep an eye on official retail channels for updates.

Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture
Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture
Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture
Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture
Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture
Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture
Air Jordan 3 Ditches Elephant Print for Laser-Etched Texture

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