Detailed Looks at Usher’s Ultra-Rare Metallic Gold Air Jordan 3 PE

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A lot of bad shit happened in 2014 — Ebola, the Malaysian Airlines disaster, and we lost the great Robin Williams, but it was one hell of a year in sneakers. We had an abundance of original Air Jordans return including the Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue”, the OG Air Jordan 1 Black/White, and the “Carmine” Air Jordan 6 amongst many others, and the Brand also birthed new favorites like the Air Jordan 11 “Pantone” and the Fragment Air Jordan 1. The most audacious effort of the year was one that none of us will likely ever get to see, let alone own, a full metallic gold Air Jordan 3 PE created for the R’n”B icon that is Usher.

Rumored to be 10 pairs in existence, detailed looks have avoided the press and blogs alike, but despite the rarity, English Sole was able to track down a pair after what would have been an extremely grueling search. Thankfully, the sneaker collector has taken some hi-res shots at the pair for sneakerheads to enjoy, giving us all an up-close and personal look at the pair for the very first time. Its patent leather construction shines as if actual gold, as do the tonal accentuations that rest above it; its elephant overlays, eyelets, and embroidery all sport a shimmering finish — even the laces get dipped in gold. Midsoles get painted in a matte finish, although glittery flecks provide an illusion that matches the upper, while the pair is capped underfoot by a fully translucent outsole. Liners in jet black leather complete the design, of which the tongue comes stamped with the Grammy award-winning artist’s name.

Grab your best look yet at the Usher Air Jordan 3 sample below, and if you’re looking for something far more attainable, then the upcoming Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red”may be a decent consolation.