Air Jordan Brought Back a Beloved Colorway on Two Classic Sneakers

Calum Marsh
·2 min read

Collage: Gabe Conte

When sneakerheads talk about all-time great colorways, there are a few obvious staples. There's the “Bred,” of course, and the “Panda.” Maybe they'll mention the “Reverse Grinch.” But you're less likely to hear about the “Green Glow”—even though it's long been a low-key fan favorite deployed on a slew of grail sneakers.

The minty palette is perhaps best known for appearing on this coveted Jordan 4 model from 2013, which still fetches big-time sums on the secondary market. Last year, the colorway found its way onto an excellent Dunk Low—a variation on another Dunk from two years earlier— and it’s also been used to terrific effect on an underrated Air Force One. Several Nike athletes have had “Green Glow” versions of their signature shoes, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kyrie Irving. Now, in the span of a single month, it's appearing on two more all-time great Air Jordan shoes.

Air Jordan 3 Retro "Green Glow"

$200.00, Nike

The Air Jordan 3 “Green Glow” landed at the end of March. The timeless silhouette looks fresher than ever, with subtle touches of bluish green popping off along the back of the tongue, the Jumpman logo, the eyelets, and the insole. The rest of the shoe is a steely monochrome in black and grey, with the 3’s famous elephant print texture running along the heel and toe cap. It’s an understated aesthetic with just the right amount of color setting it apart, showcasing the Jordan 3 at its best in a way that’s perfect for spring.

Meanwhile, the Air Jordan 1 “Green Glow” is set to arrive on April 20, and it takes a very different approach to the same basic combination of colors. This Jordan 1 builds off a black and white base and weaves in the green along the heel, toe box, collar and outsole. It’s a bigger and bolder style than the Jordan 3, but it uses the mint shade to equally striking effect, playing on the clean, streamlined build to emphasize the iconic high-top's strengths. Again, a killer option for the warmer months ahead.

Both drops confirm “Green Glow” as a heavy hitter in the Nike colorway canon—and they each feel primed to someday be considered as modern classics in their own right.

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Originally Appeared on GQ

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