Few shoes in sneaker history can match the impact of the Jordan 5. Released in 1990, the Jordan 5 was designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, who drew much inspiration from jet aircraft from the World Wars (Sailor, anyone?) Just check out the shark teeth on the midsole and the reflective 3M tongue to see the inspiration. To date, the Air Jordan 5 is one of the most popular shoes in the entire line to be retroed and hence sneaker fiends, fiends and more friends are still begging for the reissue with new colourways.
The Origins of the Jordan 5
The Jordan 5 was a leap ahead of its predecessors. Where the Jordan 3 and Jordan 4 had sported obvious air and kept things simple, the 5’s aggressive shape, with a sleek profile, was more aerodynamic than ever. Tinker Hatfield wanted the Air Jordan 5 to make the beholder feel a sense of threat and speed, which resulted in the detail of a forward-lacing shoe lock from jet fighter planes that allows the beholder to keep their tongue locked without having to tie.
Star player Michael Jordan was wearing the Jordan 5 during the 1990 NBA campaign, and this was the silhouette that became intrinsically linked with many of the world-famous moments that he enjoyed. Some 20odd years after the shoes were first released, the Jordan Brand continues to pump fresh new kicks to satisfy the insatiable crave. The fact that the 5 has remained popular to this day is a testament to how well the design has aged.
Design Details That Set the Jordan 5 Apart
The design element on the midsole is one of the more unique designs of the Air Jordan 5. The small jagged-tooth-like detailing on both the lateral and medial sides of the midsole is also based on designs of fighter jets, again making the Air Jordan 5’s appearance very unique and setting it apart from the rest of the Air Jordan series. Also, the reflective tongue tabs add to the unique look of the Air Jordan 5.
Another innovation on the Jordan 5 was the design of the mesh upper in a handful of the colourways- a feature virtually non-existent back then. This mesh design gave the Jordan 5 a far more breathable sensation, while still retaining the sculpted appearance it was appreciated for. To complement the rigid appearance, a padded ankle collar was added to generate maximum comfort and support.
Another feature that makes the Jordan 5 shine is the Air-Sole placement in the shoe, which offered an improved comfort level over the earlier Jordan shoes. This was significant to any athlete or player who wanted light, responsive padding for quick lateral cuts and jumps. It is not 1990 anymore, but the technology in modern sneakers has advanced tremendously, and the Jordan 5 is still an extremely comfortable shoe even after all these years.
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​Popular Colourways of the Jordan 5
However, over time Jordan has released dozens of different colourways of the Jordan 5; every one has its fans. The “Fire Red” Jordan 5 is one of the most popular of the releases, as it has a black colour scheme with red accents and a black tongue. The “Grape” Jordan 5 is also popular due to a purple and black colour-blocked design, which has become one of the staple designs of late 90s and early 2000s sneaker culture.
However, more recently, collaborations and re-issue editions of the Jordan 5 have made sure that this silhouette has always remained a desirable one to newer generations of sneaker enthusiasts. Collaborations with designers and other brands have come out with Jordan 5s in newer and more unusual colourways and materials, whilst re-releases of the original colourways still sell out immediately.
Why the Jordan 5 Remains So Popular
There are many factors why the 5s have been selling for such a long period of time. 1st is that the design of the 5s was incredible! Just look at the modern and the mean design; the traditional and contemporary style of the 90s makes the 5s such a versatile sneaker for tennis and carrying around. 2nd is the authentic value of the historical past of the Jordan 5s.
Third, a good brand helps the Jordan 5. Since its first launch in 1990, the Jordan Brand has built a history of new colourways of the 5 and has consistently re-issued the original colourways of the 5. What this means is that the shoe is always available for retail and in the second-hand market. The continuous flow of the product image and solid release strategy reduces the perceived risk of buying the shoe to collector consumers, while keeping the shoe visible to consumers.
And we can’t forget that the resale value of the shoe keeps the hype up too. Several of the more limited collectable Jordan 5 colourways fetch prices on the resale market that are astronomical, another field for sneakerheads to grow their collection financially. The combination of dollars and memories is a winning combo for the Jordan 5 in the future.
Styling the Jordan 5
However, off the court, the Jordan 5 has also garnered just as much widespread fashion fame to those outside of sport. Its undeniably strange & edgy shape is sure to fit flawlessly within a streetwear-clad wardrobe, as it works just as well with denim & cargo as it does with a good suit. A lot of sneakerheads will argue for this shoe’s versatile nature due to its aesthetic, with the shark teeth & reflective shiny tongue being at home with seemingly anything.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the JORDAN 5 is possibly the greatest, no most everlasting and ever lasting Sneakers to this point. With references to the fighter jet all over the shoes, which elevated the 5 to legendary sneaker status, this is a true classic sneaker. Even for first-time Jordan buyers, a Jordan 5 purchase is essential if it has been in your sneaker-collecting plans all this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the Jordan 5 first release?
The Jordan 5 shoes for the first time, were designed by Tinker Hatfield in the year 1990. They were worn during the season that Michael Jordan played.
2. Where were the 5 first born?
Looking at planes that were seen during this period, such as P-51 Mustangs, we can see the details behind the design, and it is obvious in its blue scheme with the shark-tooth midsole and mirror tongue tabs.
3. What’s the most popular Jordan 5 colourway?
The Fire Red Jordan 5 and the Grape Jordan 5.
4. Can I wear the Jordan 5 casually?
Yes, the Jordan 5 is a comparatively all-around style, which means that it can cater to combining mid-range and streetwear wear thanks to the bold look and airy Air-Sole cushioning throughout the design.
5. Is Jordan Brand still releasing new 5s?
Yes, Jordan Brand releases new 5s every so often. Not only do they release the classic colourways, but they also release new collaborations.
