Is The Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” The Craziest Unreleased Sample Ever Made?

Created with robotic texturing and nanotechnology.

Andrew Rizzo March 4, 2025

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Some sneakers are so elusive that it takes years for studio-quality images to emerge. The Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” is one of them.

Shown here via new images posted by @englishsole, the Jordan 3 “RTNA” (robotic texturing and nanotechnology) was created in 2021 as part of a partnership between the Nike Explore Team and art science company Lifescaped. The sneaker features technology inspired by structural coloration found in nature, which allows the shoe to reflect light in a way that the color appears consistent from different angles. The ultra-thin coating is made up of microscopic prisms and uses no pigments, dyes, or any other color application. Think about butterfly wings, wet grass, and beetle shells; the Jordan 3 “RTNA” mimics the natural process that makes them iridescent.

To state the obvious, these won’t ever see a public release (Nike didn’t even allow people to touch them when they were exhibited). However, the concept provides a window into what could be the future of sneaker design. We seem pretty far removed from RTNA sneakers being produced at scale, but perhaps one day.

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

: Air Jordan 3 “RTNA” Sample (2021) englishsole

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.