December is basically the Super Bowl for sneakerheads. Every year, Jordan Brand saves the heavy hitters for the holiday season because they know we’re all looking to spend that end-of-year bonus or hoping for a miracle under the tree. If you're looking for Jordans coming out in December, you already know the vibe—it’s crowded, it’s chaotic, and if you aren’t prepared, you’re paying resale prices by New Year’s Eve.
Honestly, it isn't just about the hype. It’s about the legacy.
Nike has perfected this rhythm. They give us the "reimagined" classics that make the older collectors nostalgic and then sprinkle in some wild collaborations to keep the kids on TikTok interested. But this December is looking particularly spicy because we’re seeing a return to some shapes and materials that actually feel premium for once. No more of that "plastic leather" feel that plagued some of the mid-2010s releases. We’re talking about high-cut silhouettes and colorways that haven't seen a retail shelf in a decade.
The Big One: Air Jordan 11 "Columbia" (Legend Blue)
Let’s not beat around the bush. The Air Jordan 11 is the undisputed king of December. This year, we’re getting the "Columbia" (now often called the Legend Blue) and people are losing their minds. Why? Because the last time we saw these was 2014, and before that, it was a long, painful wait.
The 2024 version is supposed to be closer to the 1996 original. That means a slightly higher patent leather cut. If you look at the shape of recent 11s like the Gratitude or the Cherry, you’ll notice that Nike is finally moving away from that low-profile patent leather that dominated the 2000s. They’re going for the OG look. The white upper, the icy blue translucent outsole, and that hit of Columbia blue on the tongue. It’s clean. It’s crisp. It’s also a magnet for yellowing, so if you plan on actually wearing these, maybe buy some sole protectors. Or don't. Some people think the yellowed "vintage" look is better. I’m not one of them.
Expect the retail price to sit around $230. Yeah, it’s steep. But considering these will likely flip for $350+ within a month, it’s a "buy now or regret it later" situation.
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Why the Air Jordan 3 is Taking Over December
While the 11 gets the glory, the Air Jordan 3 is actually the connoisseur’s choice right now. Specifically, the "Black Cement" Reimagined is the talk of the town. Actually, scratch that—it's the only thing some people care about.
The "Reimagined" series has been a mixed bag for some. The "Lost and Found" 1s were a masterpiece. The "White Cement" 3s were nearly perfect. But some folks are tired of the "pre-aged" look. This December, the Black Cement 3 is coming back with a twist. It’s not just a straight retro; it’s built to the 1988 specifications. We’re talking about the "Nike Air" on the heel—which is non-negotiable for purists—and a shape that doesn't look like a bulky hiking boot.
I’ve seen some early leaks and the leather quality looks surprisingly soft. It has that tumbled texture that we used to get back in the day. The elephant print is also being dialed in. For a few years, Nike was making the elephant print lines too thick and too dark, which made the shoes look like bad fakes. They’ve fixed that. It’s subtle now. It’s gray, not black.
The Sleeper Hits: 5s and 9s
Not everyone wants to fight the bots for an 11 or a 3. That’s where the Air Jordan 5 "Black Metallic" Reimagined comes in. This is another 2024/2025 transition peak. The 5 is a polarizing shoe because of the lace locks and the giant reflective tongue, but the Black Metallic colorway is top-tier. It goes with everything. If you missed out on the Off-White 5s a few years back, these are the best alternative you’re going to get.
Then there’s the Air Jordan 9. Most people ignore the 9 because MJ never actually wore it on court during his first run—he was off playing baseball. But the "Olive" 9s are rumored for a late-year return. It’s a rugged, winterized-looking shoe that actually makes sense for December weather in places that aren't Los Angeles or Miami.
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The Collaboration Chaos
You can't talk about Jordans coming out in December without mentioning the potential A Ma Maniére or Travis Scott rumors that always seem to swirl this time of year. While James Whitner and the AMM team usually have something cooking, their releases have become notoriously difficult to grab. Their "While You Were Sleeping" collection has already set a high bar.
If a Travis Scott Jordan 1 Low drops in December, just give up now. I’m kidding, but only slightly. The secondary market prices on those are still astronomical despite the "Travis fatigue" people keep talking about. People say they’re tired of the backwards swoosh, yet the SNKRS app crashes every time one drops. It’s a weird cycle.
How to Actually Get These Shoes Without Losing Your Mind
Look, the SNKRS app is basically a gambling simulator. You press a button, wait for ten minutes, and then get a "did not get 'em" notification that ruins your morning. If you want to actually snag Jordans coming out in December, you have to diversify.
- Local Raffles are King: Go to your local Foot Locker, JD Sports, or boutique (like Politics or Social Status). Enter the in-store raffles. Your odds are ten times better than the national pool.
- The "Check-In" Method: Some stores still do first-come, first-served, but it’s rare. Check their Instagram pages about 5 days before the drop.
- SNKRS Pass: If you live in a major city, keep your location services on. Nike does "shocks drops" and "passes" that require you to be within a certain radius of a store.
- The Twitter (X) Notifications: Follow accounts like SoleRetriever or J23App. They leak the stock numbers. If you see that there are 500,000 pairs of the Jordan 11 Columbia, you can breathe a little easier. If there are only 50,000? Godspeed.
The Quality Control Issue
We have to talk about it. Nike’s quality control (QC) has been… inconsistent. When you're paying $200+ for sneakers, you don’t want glue stains or lopsided stitching.
Usually, the big December releases have better QC because the production runs are massive and they use their "best" factories. However, with the high volume of the Jordan 11, we sometimes see issues with the "peak" on the patent leather or the alignment of the "23" on the heel. If you get a pair with a minor flaw, honestly, just keep them. Trying to exchange them in December is impossible because everything is sold out.
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Pricing Trends: Is the Bubble Bursting?
There’s a lot of talk about the "sneaker market crash." It’s true that some Jordans that used to sell out instantly are now sitting on shelves. Even some Jordan 1 Highs are hitting the sales rack.
But December is different. The "big" pairs—the 11s, the 3s, the OG colorways—are recession-proof. They don't sit. If you think you can wait until January to grab the Columbia 11s on sale, you’re dreaming. In fact, if you see them at retail, buy them. Even if you aren't a reseller, the value stays high enough that you can always trade them for something else later.
Final Tactics for a Successful December
Preparation starts now. Don't wait until the week of Christmas to realize you wanted those 3s.
- Verify your payment info: Make sure your Apple Pay or credit card info is updated on the SNKRS app. Those seconds matter.
- Watch the "Shock Drops": Nike loves to drop shoes randomly at 2:00 PM EST on a random Tuesday three weeks before the official release. Stay alert.
- Budget for the "Double Up": If the Jordan 3 Black Cement is your all-time favorite shoe, try to get two pairs. One to rock, one to stock. This is the best way to avoid the heartbreak of ruining your only pair in the snow.
Jordans coming out in December represent more than just footwear; they are the culmination of a year's worth of sneaker culture. Whether you're chasing the nostalgia of the Columbia 11s or the raw aesthetic of the Black Cement 3s, the key is persistence. If you miss on the first drop, don't panic. Restocks happen, and sometimes the "Exclusive Access" emails go out to people who have been active on the app.
Get your accounts ready. Clean your old pairs to make room. It’s going to be a wild month.