Your Guide to the Jordan 5 Sneaker

The Jordan 5 is a classic and a popular pair of sneakers on the market. The shoe features high-quality materials that contribute to both its style and its comfort. This makes it an excellent choice for any sneakerhead or casual wearer.

Nike created the Jordan 5 sneaker in 1990, as designed by Tinker Hatfield. The shoe has a unique design and features a functional reflective tongue and translucent rubber soles. The shoes were initially available in the following four color combinations: White/Black/Fire Red, White/Fire Red/Black, White/Grape Ice/New Emerald, and Black/Metallic Silver. The Jordan 5 was also the very first basketball shoe to feature a clear outsole.

The sneakers quickly became popular among sneakerheads and other buyers on eBay. In 2013, Nike released the Jordan 5 Retro for the first time. Since then, it has been re-engineered several times to incorporate varying features.

The Legacy of the Jordan 5

By 1990, the Air Jordan line of sneakers had solidified its presence in America as luxury basketball shoes. During this time, they were status symbols, and every kid wanted to own a pair of Jordan 5s. Over the past 30+ years, this reputation has not changed. The Jordan 5 is highly coveted by sneaker-wearers of all ages from school-aged children to adults. In fact, the Jordan 5s have not lost momentum since their launch in 1990.

The Jordan 5 has lived up to its hype, and the market remains open to the new brand variants. Many celebrities still wear these Jordan shoes in their music videos or as casual wear. In fact, actor Will Smith was recently gifted a pair of Jordan 5s for his 50th birthday. The Jordan Brand paid homage to Will Smith because of what he did for the brand, particularly with the Grape iteration.

Properties of the Jordan 5

By the time Tinker Hatfield was designing the Jordan 5, Michael Jordan had established his reputation as a powerhouse in the athletic sneaker world. The luxury basketball shoes became an envied piece, regardless of the price tag. With the new design elements and the inspiration of a fighter plane, Tinker Hatfield kept consumers thirsting for more of the Jordans. The significant properties of the Air Jordan 5 include the design inspiration and the extra details like MJ's number on the heel.

The '90s Sneakers

The Jordan 5 is a part of the classic decade of sneakers produced in the '90s. It was the first Jordan of the '90s and remained iconic for decades because of its design, style, and quality. The sneaker saw a renaissance as it turned 30, returning some classic stylings like the OG and other collaborative fashions.

The Fighter Plane Inspiration

During World War II, fighters used the P-51 Mustang fighter plane to stage attacks on Germany. This plane inspired the design of the Jordan 5, with Hatfield selecting it because it aligned with MJ's aggressiveness and dominance on the basketball court. Since the aircraft's nickname was The Shark, Hatfield added shark-like teeth on the front midsole. This detail made the Air Jordan 5 stand out among the rest of the sneaker market in the '90s.

Michael Jordan’s Number 23

Initially, the Fire Red colorway was the only one of the four original colorways that featured MJ’s number 23 on the heel. For a special set, only Michael received the number 23 on the heel of his Black/Metallic and White/Black/Fire Red colorways. When White/Metallic and Laney dropped out of the collection after the year 2000, all shoes in this line came with the number 23 embroidery. With the Air Jordan 5 Retro available on eBay, every shoe comes with a number 23 embroidered at the heel.

MJ has always been associated with the number 23. He wore it throughout his professional career, with the exception of 45, which he wore briefly upon returning to basketball in March of 1995. After he retired from basketball, MJ continued to use the number 23 in other areas of his life. This way, fans could always associate his name and number with the Jordan brand.

Locked Laces

Tinker introduced the lace lock on the Jordan 5 to prevent skin irritation caused by tight shoelaces. The lace lock solved this problem by securing the laces so they could not rub against the skin. Sneakerheads and athletes welcomed this innovation, and it has since found its way into all subsequent Jordan models. Aside from its practical benefits, the lace lock also gave the Jordan 5 a unique look that helped it stand out from other sneakers on the market.

See-Through Soles

The see-through soles on the Jordan 5 served two purposes: They provided a unique look and helped improve the shoe's performance by making it more lightweight.

The Reflective Tongue

The reflective tongue on the Air Jordan 5 was a design feature that gave the sneaker an exclusive appearance. The tongue reflects light and creates a flashy, attention-grabbing look. This was an essential feature for Michael Jordan and Tinker Hatfield, who wanted to create a sneaker that would stand out on the court. The reflective tongue was also a practical feature, as it helped players stay visible during night games. Head to eBay to shop for the AJ5 and experience some of these features.

DJ Khaled and Air Jordan 5 Collaborate

DJ Khaled has a successful career as one of pop culture's most prominent producers. Besides music, Khaled has signed big business contracts with some of the most well-known brands. As an avid sneakerhead, the Jordan brand has previously entered into some collaborations with him. Their latest partnership will feature the Air Jordan 5.

The contract includes four colorways, including Crimson Bliss, Blue, Sail, and Bright Purple hues. DJ Khaled's hometown of Miami inspires the colorways. As per the deal, only Sail and Crimson Bliss will be available to the public.

On these shoes, the upper panels and laces reflect the sunset and soft sky-blue hues on the lining and midsole. The shoe features Khaled’s iconic line We The Best, on the heel, underfoot of the right shoe, and insole. Every pair will feature special-edition packaging. A We The Best collection of tracksuits, T-shirts, and other apparel will also be available.

Paris Saint-German and Air Jordan 5 Retro Collaboration

The Paris Saint-Germain and Air Jordan 5 Retro Collaboration sneaker is white with blue and red accents, inspired by the club's colors. It features a PSG logo on the tongue and ICI C'EST PARIS (This is Paris) on the heel. The shoe received positive reviews on eBay from sneakerheads and fans of Paris Saint-Germain.

The Paris Saint-Germain/Air Jordan 5 Retro is a rare and sought-after sneaker. If you are lucky enough to find a pair for sale, expect to pay a high price. However, if you are a fan of Paris Saint-Germain or Tinker Hatfield's work, the Paris Saint-Germain/Air Jordan 5 Retro is a must-have shoe.