Behind the Design: Air Jordan 5 'Black Metallic Reimagined'

Jordan Brand is kicking off the year with a big release as the Air Jordan 5 'Black Metallic Reimagined' is set to release on February 8th. This latest installment in the "Reimagined" line from Jordan Brand brings back one of the most iconic colorways from the original Air Jordan 5 with a new twist that pays homage to an old Michael Jordan player exclusive. This article delves into the design, significance, and appeal of the Air Jordan 5 'Black Metallic Reimagined.'

History of the Air Jordan 5

Worn by Michael Jordan throughout the 1990 season and on center stage at the All-Star game, the Air Jordan 5 was released to the public in February 1990. Retailing for $125 USD, the Air Jordan 5 debuted in four colorways. Spike Lee's Mars Blackmon character teamed up with Jordan again to deliver more advertisements for the release, with the "It's Gotta Be The Shoes" TV spot becoming one of the most iconic footwear advertisements in history. However, the Air Jordan 5 would surprisingly see much of its popularity from a new show titled The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. 

The Air Jordan 5 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who took inspiration from the P-51 Mustang fighter jet, a plane used by Allied forces during World War II. The aggressive silhouette of the Air Jordan 5 takes cues from the Mustang, embodying Jordan’s dominant on-court style and movements that mimicked the plane. The midsole of the Air Jordan 5 features signature shark-tooth detailing, paying homage to “The Shark,” a version of the P-51 decorated with cartoonish shark teeth. The shoe was the first basketball silhouette to feature a 3M tongue, a clear outsole, and a molded ankle collar, making it a revolutionary shoe for its time and leading a new shift in 90s footwear that is still relevant today. 

Behind the Design: Air Jordan 5 'Black Metallic Reimagined'

The Air Jordan 5 'Black Metallic Reimagined' brings back one of Jordan Brand's most iconic designs with a new twist. Inspired by a player-exclusive design for Michael Jordan, it retains its sleek black nubuck upper with subtle new design changes. The changes the shoe incorporates are 3M piping and white laces reminiscent of Jordan's player exclusive. Traditional white accenting is kept the same on the heel tabs "Nike Air" branding, complemented by metallic silver on the 3M reflective tongues and shark teeth. Subtle Black speckles can be found in the shark teeth, while vibrant fire red highlights the Jumpman on tongues and the "Air Jordan" inscription, placed upside-down on inner tongues. Classic elements like translucent mesh netting and a visible Air unit in the heels remain intact, sitting atop a translucent rubber outsole.

The Air Jordan 5 'Black Metallic Reimagined' represents a significant moment in the evolution of the iconic silhouette. By recreating one of the most iconic original Air Jordan line colorways based on player exclusive from Michael Jordan's early career, Jordan Brand has created a shoe that will be one of the year's biggest releases. The Air Jordan 5 'Black Metallic Reimagined' will be released worldwide on February 8, 2025, and you can find your pair on KICKS CREW.