Black and teal has always been one of those color combinations that feels a little bolder than your average Jordan palette. Maybe that’s why the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rio Teal’ immediately reminded me of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ colors. A black base sets the tone, while vibrant teal accents provide enough personality to keep this classic silhouette feeling fresh.
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Key facts at a glance
| Description | Information |
|---|---|
|
Sample |
Air Jordan 3 Retro ‘Rio Teal’ (GS) |
|
style code |
441140-018 |
|
colorway |
Black / Metallic Gold / Rio Teal / White |
|
original release |
24 December 2016 |
|
original retail |
$140 |
|
Resale (now) |
Most sizes near retail (from ~$120); some climbed above $200 |
|
where to buy |
stockx, goat, flight club |
Where can you purchase the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rio Teal’?
The Air Jordan 3 ‘Rio Teal’ released in 2016 as a grade-school exclusive. You can now find pairs at StockX, GOAT, and Flight Club, where most sizes retail for around $140, with prices starting at $120.
This makes it one of the more affordable ways to get into a standout AJ3, as long as you fit into the smaller size. stockx And goat The deepest sizes run, with some sizes like 6Y climbing above $250.
What makes this retro special?
The twist is in the elephant print: The AJ3’s signature toe and heel overlays get a Rio teal wash instead of the usual grey, popping up on a black tumbled leather base, metallic gold on the Jumpman logo and eyelets for a luxury finish.
That teal continues onto the collar lining and midsole, tying the entire look together. This was the second use of the “Rio Teal” scheme after the AJ1 High, and is based on Tinker Hatfield’s 1988 design that first introduced elephant print.
How do you style the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rio Teal’?
‘Rio Teal’ is easy to style due to its black base, which matches with neutral colors like grey, white or denim, while the teal accents provide a pop, and a matching teal piece can fit together perfectly.
The black-and-teal reed is a little sporty, so it looks good with a casual, everyday fit rather than just any dress. Lean into it, if you like, with a teal hat or tee that hints at elephant print without going head-to-toe.
Should You Buy the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rio Teal’ Now?
At near-retail pricing on most sizes, the ‘Rio Teal’ is a solid pickup for those who want a standout AJ3, as long as you fit into grade-school sizes and don’t mind the pricier sizes.
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There’s no promotion tax here, which makes it an easy call next to resale-heavy pairs like the Air Jordan 9 “Chili Red” or the near-retail Air Jordan 5 “Jade Horizon.” Just confirm your size before checking out, as there are some smaller sizes where the price is reduced.
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