The Air Jordan 5: a design worthy of its history
Initially, the Air Jordan 5 was a basketball shoe designed to enhance Michael Jordan's performance. Innovation, attitude, ferocity: the legendary model released in 1990 checked all the boxes for explosive players. Today, it is one of the b-ball pairs richest in history, with a past that continues to inspire the present.
History of the Air Jordan 5
It all begins during his fourth season. At this point, Michael Jordan is at the peak of his game. His exploits clearly indicate that he was just getting started, ready to reach new heights. By setting a personal record during a game against Cleveland (69 points), the iconic Chicago Bulls player exceeded all expectations with the Air Jordan 5 on his feet. Designed by Tinker Hatfield to more precisely meet the needs and expectations of “His Majesty,” the pair also served as a powerful springboard to open Nike's market to the European Union. Initially, only four OG colorways were released: “Black Fire Red,” “Black Metallic Silver,” “Grape,” and “White Fire Red,” quickly gaining visibility beyond the courts. Everyone wants to get their pair of Air Jordans.
The model was quickly associated with many iconic moments in popular culture and the world of basketball. Among these moments, we can notably mention the historic slam dunk by Michael Jordan at the NBA slam dunk contest in 1990, where he wore the Air Jordan 5 "Fire Red". Later embodied on television by Spike Lee in a memorable advertising campaign, and then by Will Smith in The Fresh Prince, the Air Jordan 5 continued its rise to forever mark sneaker culture.
Visual and Technical Features
Tinker Hatfield is to sneakers what Michael Jordan is to basketball: the GOAT. For this new signature model of the Air Jordan range, His Airness requested a pair of superior quality, with more support and grip. He wanted it wider at the front of the foot and especially more aggressive. To achieve this, the Oregon-based designer employed a combination of leather, nubuck, or mesh to offer a balance between durability, breathability, and support on a high and robust silhouette. Reflective tongue, translucent sole, lace-lock, lace tips, breathable side panels, the elements are grafted to mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the Jordan line.
For a long time, it was believed that the design of the Air Jordan 5 Retro was inspired by a shark, due to the tooth-shaped pattern present on the sole. In reality, it was a World War II fighter plane that gave birth to this shoe: the North American P-51 Mustang, whose engine hood was painted with a shark jaw. The result? A distinctive silhouette with a reflective tongue and fierce details that are only matched by the relentless determination of the player who inspired it.
From Attitude to Altitude
Like all previous pairs, the Air Jordan 5 rests on a soft and durable sole. However, from a technical and design perspective, the Air Jordan V is undoubtedly an evolution of the Air Jordan 3 and the Air Jordan 4. The pair is taller and contains the best technologies of the time. Unlike the AJ3, which introduced visible Air Sole technology, the pair features cushioning not only at the heel but also throughout the length of the midsole. Its ergonomic shape has allowed it to be approved by the NBA, unlike that of the Jordan 4.
Notable Collaborations
Collaborations with renowned artists and brands have helped maintain the popularity of the Air Jordan 5. In 2019, Trophy Room added its distinctive touch by imagining a unique pack consisting of two iterations, an “Icy Blue” version for the general public and a “University Red” version reserved for family and friends.
Big names in the streetwear scene have also revisited the model, including Mr. Abloh. With his Off-White x Air Jordan 5 Retro Black” or his opposite version Sail, the late visionary generated a lot of excitement among collectors, but also artists, as in 2022, artist DJ Khaled (also a sneaker fan) partnered with Nike to work on his favorite shoe, offering a complete collection “We the Best x Air Jordan 5.”
Recently, the label A Ma Manière has brought the model back into the spotlight with two colorways, one “Dawn”, the other “Dusk.” These partnerships have not only broadened its appeal but also testified to its status as a timeless cultural icon.
How to Lace an Air Jordan 5?
Lacing a pair of Air Jordan 5 is quite simple as a lace-lock is introduced for the first time to facilitate lacing. The simplest way:
- Thread the laces through the first two eyelets of the shoe, starting from the bottom to the top, so that both ends of the laces come out of the first eyelet at the bottom.
- Pass the laces through the holes of the reflective tongues at the back of the shoe, once you reach the last eyelet at the top of the shoe.
- Pass the laces under the lace-lock at the center of the tongue. Tighten the laces for a comfortable fit.
Of course, it can be done in different ways depending on your style and preferences. It's up to you!
How Does the Air Jordan 5 Fit?
The model fits true to size, meaning the AJ5 fits normally. We therefore recommend choosing your usual size.
Purchasing Process and Points of Sale for Air Jordan 5
Official Air Jordan Stores
You can find the pair of Air Jordan 5 sneakers that suits you in one of the Nike Stores present in France or around the world. A wide range of Air Jordan 5 pairs is also available on the Nike website or the SNKRS app.
How to Cop Your Air Jordan 5?
There are also several sneaker retailers with whom we work hand in hand. You can find at these retailers limited edition pairs, recent releases, or more classic pairs. As with most pairs today, the price of Air Jordan 5 sneakers varies according to their value and availability.
There are also several resellers offering you to buy different models of AJ5 at different prices depending on their value and availability.
