The Air Jordan 5
The Air Jordan 5 was the first Jordan model to feature a clear rubber sole and reflective 3M material on the tongue, giving it a unique look over its predecessors, and it became a trendsetter within the Air Jordan line. It was also the first basketball shoe to be given moulded foam in the upper. Similar to the Air Jordan 4, they offer good traction and decent cushioning on and off the court.
With two Air Jordan models already under his belt, Tinker Hatfield also created the Air Jordan 5. Working closely with Jordan, he came up with a design that was both functional and supportive with aesthetics that matched the basketball star’s mindset.
It featured mesh panels for increased breathability, a reflective 3M tongue and a unique set of lace locks that kept the foot secure. Nike’s Air cushioning tech on the heel provided solid impact protection.
Hatfield made Jordan’s dominating attack style on the court the focus of the Air Jordan 5 design. Inspired by the American-made P-51 Mustang fighter jet, a plane used for air raids in Germany during World War II, the Air Jordan 5 features details such as the ‘shark teeth’ along the midsole that were taken from a version of the P-51 called ‘The Shark’.
The Air Jordan 5 dropped in four colorways in its initial run in February 1990, with white/black, black/metallic, white/fire red and white/grape all released.
Since then, we’ve seen over 40 retro releases, including both old and new colorways, mix-ups, and low tops.
The Air Jordan 5 and The Fresh Prince
In September 1990 a new show featuring a young Will Smith premiered on NBC. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air saw Will uprooted from his West Philadelphia roots to live with his rich aunt and uncle in Bel-Air. The show propelled Smith into stardom and is widely loved as a classic.
Aside from the humour, the show was also known for Smith’s colourful fashion, proudly showing off a bold sense of style and most importantly, a rotation of Air Jordans on screen, including the AJ5 in numerous colorways.
Jordan had already proven the shoe on court, but The Fresh Prince helped the Air Jordan 5 take off as a lifestyle sneaker. Thanks to its appearance on the show, the ‘Grape’ colorway became one of the most sought-after Air Jordan 5s by sneaker fans.
For Smith’s 50th birthday in 2018, Jordan brand released a new version of the ‘Grape’ colorway on the 5 as a homage for what the star had done for the AJ5’s popularity. It featured ‘West Philadelphia’ spelled out on an embossed tongue, no shoelaces for an unlaced look and a bright pink and yellow striped sockliner.
The Air Jordan 5 and Quai 54
Nike and Jordan have partnered with the Quai 54 streetball tournament for many years, celebrating court, culture and community. Taking place at the Pelouse De Reuilly courts in Paris, the event features 16 elite teams from 10 countries. Each year Jordan releases sneakers and clothes to commemorate the event, and in 2011 they released an Quai 54 version of the AJV which became incredibly popular with sneaker fans and resellers. The Quai 54 V has been one of the brand’s most successful releases.
Upon release Air Jordan 5s retail for around €190.
Generally, the Air Jordan 5 does fit true to size.