Tribute Air Jordan 3s Featuring Design Elements for the Leading Professional Wrestler Globally
Lucha libre, a centuries-old form of professional wrestling originating from Mexico, is renowned for its high-flying acrobatics and balletic choreography. This centuries-old tradition has now made its mark on the world of sneakers, with Jordan Brand releasing the Air Jordan 3 'El Vuelo'.
The Air Jordan 3 'El Vuelo' is a tribute to Rey Mysterio, a significant figure in the popularization of lucha libre, and Día de la Independencia. The sneaker features a white leather upper, an off-white sole, snakeskin textures, and red-and-green accents inspired by the Mexican flag.
The design elements of the Air Jordan 3 'El Vuelo' draw inspiration from Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling. The crested wings on each shoe are reminiscent of Rey Mysterio's iconic masks, while the geometric shapes framing the luchador masks, eagle wings, and cultural colors of the Mexican flag pay homage to the tradition. Gold details reference the golden era of Lucha Libre in the 1950s and '60s.
Rey Mysterio, a Mexican-American luchador, has played a significant role in popularizing lucha libre globally. His success in WCW and WWE in the '90s and 2000s helped pave the way for numerous performers since. The influence of lucha libre has spread throughout the wrestling world, with aerial stunts pioneered in Mexico now commonplace in various wrestling organizations such as New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWE.
Luchadors, participants in lucha libre, are famed for their signature masks, which are often seen as an extension and expression of their soul. Removing a luchador's mask is considered a significant breach of dignity in the storytelling canon of wrestling. Many luchadors keep their faces hidden from the audience throughout their careers.
The Air Jordan 3 'El Vuelo' is a successor to the 'El Grito' model. It will be available on the SNKRS app this Saturday, September 20, for $230. Whether you're a fan of sneakers, lucha libre, or both, this release is sure to be a hit.
