Air Jordan 5
The Air Jordan 5 (V) is the fifth sneaker in the Air Jordan signature line. It debuted in February 1990 during the All-Star Game and was released throughout the rest of the year in four different original colorways — the “Black/Metallic”, “White/Fire Red”, “Fire Red”, and “Grape”.
An occasion that Jordan Brand has already celebrated with the models that came before it, 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the Jordan 5, leading to reissues of many of those aforementioned OG pairs. The “Black Metallic Reimagined” was one of the first significant Jumpman drops of the year, with the “Fire Red” and “Grape” touching down in the second half.
Though it may not have an official celebration queued up for 2026, the Air Jordan 5 remains a major part of the Jumpman’s plans. While specific dates and overall plans are always subject to change, retro returns for the “Wolf Grey,” “Black/University Blue,” and the “Sunset” are reportedly in the works.
Check out some frequently asked questions about the Jordan 5 below, followed by the latest news, “Where to Buy” guides, and features. You can also find more Jordan Brand content by following @jordansdaily on Instagram.
As of Fall 2025, pricing for the retro is as follows:
- • Men’s $215
- • Women’s: $215
- • Big Kids: $160
- • Little Kids: $100
- • Toddler: $85
- • Crib: $65
When the sneaker first hit the shelves in 1990, it retailed for $125.
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the architect behind many of the numbered Air Jordans and most iconic Nike products, the Air Jordan 5 takes inspiration from WWII fighter jets. That narrative notably inspires the AJ5’s timeless “sharktooth” midsole detailing.
Additional trademarks of the shoe are the puffy tongue design, reflective material often seen in that same spot, the synthetic netting on the quarter panel, and the lace-locks, spring-loaded plastic pieces that helps the wearer keep their kicks secure.
As with all Retro Jordans, Michael Jordan’s on-court excellence, celebrity, and genuinely ubiquitous cultural status have propelled his sneakers to become legendary. Tinker Hatfield’s hallowed design touch on the silhouette doesn’t hurt, either.
Ironically, much the same way that the Air Jordan 4 partially came to prominence by being on-feet for “The Shot,” the Air Jordan 5 cemented itself in many fans’ minds as His Airness poured 69 points on those same Cleveland Cavaliers a year later.
In case it needed any additional notoriety, the AJ5 would go on to become a staple of 90s streetwear. A commercial with Spike Lee’s Mars Blackmon character (titled “Is It The Shoes”) helped bring attention to the silhouette before it even hit stores. Once it did, there was no bigger media spotlight than becoming a signature of Will Smith and his character on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Jordan Brand would eventually pay homage to the actor with two “Bel-Air” colorways and a laceless version of the “Grape” in 2018.
Initially planned for January, the Air Jordan 5 “Wolf Grey” is currently the first colorway in the works for 2026, now touching down this February. Later in the year, the “Sunset” and “Black/University Blue” from 2006 will celebrate their 20th anniversary by returning to shelves, while the “White Metallic” will also see its first-ever bringback, 26 years after its initial release.
Your best source to pick up a pair of Air Jordan 5s will vary widely for different colorways. More or less every Retro release will have some sort of launch via Nike’s SNKRS platform and often via boutique retail partners. Collaborative pairs typically launch via the collab partner’s site. Widely produced pairs (or “GRs”) will usually end up at big box retailers like:
- • Foot Locker
- • Finish Line
- • DICK’S