Image: Sole Collector

Colombian Reggaeton artist J Balvin has been a mainstay in his field for the best part of a decade now. But has become a household name worldwide over the last couple of years, thanks to his smash hits and his appearance during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2020. There, he unveiled his first collaboration with Air Jordan on feet. Three years later, we have seen for the first time what the artist’s third sneaker will look like.

The sneaker

Reportedly inspired by the sunsets in Medellin, where J Balvin grew up, the sneaker comes mostly in a sail color upper. Matched with a gradient representing the sunset around the heel on the midsole and on the heel tab. The gradient starts with a dark purple, before fading into pink and then into a vivid yellow. Otherwise, on the sneaker, some light grey detailing is present on the elephant print and around the middle eyelets, and yellow detailing is present on the exposed ends of the leather panelling as well as on the eyelets. These details add up to create an aged look, juxtaposing the pops of color on the heel.

Image: Sole Collector

Some background context

This comes only a year after J Balvin’s last sneaker. Working his way through the Air Jordan models, he initially collaborated on a Jordan 1 Retro High in 2020 before taking on the Jordan 2 in 2022 and now the Jordan 3. Each sneaker has its own aesthetic, with the Jordan 1 Retro High J Balvin featuring a rainbow pattern on the upper alongside a jagged finish on the upper paneling. The Jordan 2 Retro J Balvin, however, had a less bright – but just as bold – design, covered almost entirely in a light blue. Taking inspiration from clouds, the upper featured extra padding as well as glow-in-the-dark details on the tongue and outsole. Now, the artist seems to return to a more colorful design but integrated into the sneaker more subtly for a more casual sneaker.
Alongside J Balvin and his work with Jordan Brand, fellow Latin artist and frequent collaborator Bad Bunny has also seen considerable success in sneakers. Working with Adidas, Bad Bunny helped bring back the Adidas Forum in 2021 and has since worked on his own Adidas Response Cl Bad Bunny, as well as the Adidas Campus Bad Bunny. All of these have been a bright spot in Adidas’ line-up, at a time when their Yeezy line has come to an abrupt end and Beyonce’s Ivy Park line has ended by mutual agreement. Furthermore, Rosalia has played an increasing role in sneaker marketing campaigns for Nike over the last few years. If anyone was questioning the ability of Latin artists to market sneakers worldwide, they aren’t anymore.

Image: Sole Collector

What you need to know

In terms of the Jordan 3 Retro J Balvin, the sneakers are expected to release on September 2nd, coming in at the end of summer with their cool vibe. Once released, expect the sneakers to be available to buy and sell here at WOOVIN