Update: Aug. 28, 2024 at 10:40 a.m. ET:
With its expected early 2025 launch getting closer by the day, in-hand images of the Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” Reimagined are beginning to circulate.
As noted in the initial leak in May, this version of the classic Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” will feature some minor changes that separate it from previous iterations of the sneaker. Although the first early image isn’t of the highest quality, it shows a glimpse of the shoe’s updated reflective panel edges and heel branding.
In the “Black/Metallic” Air Jordan 5’s original form from 1990, the Tinker Hatfield-designed sneaker had white edges on its Durabuck upper, so the reflective accents are likely a design decision to emphasize the look of the ‘90s pair.
As for the white shoelaces, Michael Jordan himself often swapped out his black laces for a contrasting white, so this detail serves as a nod to the brand’s legendary namesake. In addition to the white shoelaces that come in the shoes, the sneakers will be packaged with an alternate black pair.
Jordan Brand has previously reissued a number of popular Retro styles in Reimagined form including the Air Jordan 1 “Lost and Found,” Air Jordan 3 “White Cement” and the Air Jordan 4 “Bred.” The majority of these updates have been well received by consumers, however there have been some missteps such as the Air Jordan 1 “Royal,” which featured a suede makeover instead of leather and ended up at deeply discounted prices.
According to insider @zsneakerheadz, the Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” Reimagined is still currently on target for a February 8 release date at a retail price of $210 for adult sizes, and it will also be released in full family sizing. This story will be updated with more developments.
Update: Aug. 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET:
After early reports surfaced of an Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” Reimagined release in 2025, new details are emerging around the anticipated release.
Timed to launch close to NBA All-Star Weekend 2025, the latest release date for the Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” Reimagined is February 8. The revamped sneaker is expected to retail at $220.
The “Black/Metallic” Air Jordan 5 was originally worn by Michael Jordan during the tail end of the 1989-90 NBA season. He debuted the colorway during the 1990 NBA All-Star Game, which would make the timing of its rumored ’25 return fitting. In the All-Star Game, Jordan wore the shoes with black shoelaces, but he would often switch them out for white laces, a detail which inspires the forthcoming iteration.
In addition to the return of this original Air Jordan 5, the model is also rumored to receive a “Black Cat” makeover on December 7. In-hand images of that pair aren’t yet available, but Jordan Brand’s “Black Cat” retros typically use all-black uppers and a mix of materials.
This story will be updated with more confirmed details and images of the ’25 Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” Reimagined Retro.
What We Originally Reported on May 18, 2024
One of the most iconic sneakers in the expansive Air Jordan line is rumored for a reissue in 2025 as part of Jordan Brand’s ongoing Reimagined series. This time around, it’s the Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” that is said to be receiving a few tweaks that will separate it from its original build.
First released in February 1990 (at a then-retail price of $125), the Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” was one of just four original colorways that hit the market. Since its 1990 debut, the “Black/Metallic” sneaker has been rereleased on four occasions: in 2000, 2007, 2011, and 2016. There was even a low-top golf version in 2020. Whether by way of material selection or embroidery details, each pair has been a little different, and early leaks indicate the 2025 version will follow suit.
According to sneaker insider @zsneakerheadz, the Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” Reimagined will come packaged with white laces instead of the usual black (Jordan himself often wore them with white laces, as seen in the image above) along with another change that will see the sneaker’s reflective silver extend to the piping throughout the upper. In-hand images of the 2025 pair aren’t yet available, but a speculative mock-up was provided of what it could end up looking like.
Jordan’s fifth signature sneaker was designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield and took inspiration from an American World War II fighter plane—a nod to the namesake player’s aggressive on-court style. This was seen in the form of shark tooth-esque lines on the midsole, a detail that especially stands out on the “Black/Metallic” style. It’s also worth mentioning that Jordan tallied his career-high in scoring with 69 points in another, white-based colorway of the model.
The Air Jordan 5 “Black/Metallic” Reimagined is currently expected to release in February 2025 for a retail price of $220, but it’s possible this could change.
For details on more upcoming Jordans, here’s every Air Jordan releasing in May.
