Quick Facts
- Like the 3, the Air Jordan Ultra starts with a suede toe, a textured leather panel behind it, and a distinct toecap, but that’s where the comparisons stop on the upper
- The back half of the midsole also gets a Jordan 3 treatment, and on the Phantom pair, adds a bit of infrared color on the heel
- More infrared is added to the Jordan tongue logo to break up the khaki monochrome
- The Air Jordan Ultra Phantom will be released Spring 2026
Jordan Brand is definitely not new to the takedown model. From team editions to hybrids and plenty of clear reinterpretations of their own shoes designed as discount silhouettes, the Jumpman has been in the business of the self-referential rip-off for decades. This year, we’ve seen the Jordan 4 RM and MVP ‘92 act as stand-ins for the Air Jordan 4 and 7, respectively, and now, the all-new Air Jordan Ultra is popping up for 2026 as a discount take on the Air Jordan 3.
The first colorway of the Air Jordan Ultra is a Phantom mix of earthy off-white tones. Like the 3, the shoe starts with a suede toe, a textured leather panel behind it, and a distinct toecap, but that’s where the comparisons stop on the upper. The side panels feature a hit of phantom suede on the bottom, with a mesh panel above that and a large reinforced TPU heel stabilizer. The back half of the midsole also gets a Jordan 3 treatment, and on the Phantom pair, adds a bit of infrared color on the heel. More infrared is added to the Jordan tongue logo to break up the khaki monochrome.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
