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Celebrating 35 Years of Flight: The Air Jordan 5's Anniversary Season

By

Matt Tompkins |

1990 was a monumental year. Not only did Michael Jordan continue to cement his legacy on the court, but Tinker Hatfield unleashed a design masterpiece: the Air Jordan 5. Inspired by the WWII-era P-51 Mustang fighter plane, its aggressive lines, shark-tooth midsole detailing, and reflective tongue launched the silhouette into legend.

Now, 35 years later in 2025, Jordan Brand is pulling out all the stops for the AJ5's major anniversary, delivering a phenomenal lineup that pays tribute to its heritage while introducing bold, new looks. From long-awaited OGs to fresh collaborative twists, here’s a look at some of the most essential Air Jordan 5 colorways that have defined this celebratory year.

The 2025 Air Jordan 5 Lineup: OG and New Classics

  • Air Jordan 5 "Tokyo 2025" - The "Tokyo" is a true grail returning for the anniversary. Originally an ultra-limited 2011 release to celebrate the opening of Jordan Brand’s Tokyo 23 retail store in Japan, this shoe is instantly recognizable by its striking Varsity Maize (yellow) suede upper. This 2025 retro brings back the iconic color with the classic Wolf Grey accents and the legendary Kanji embroidery on the heel. It's a must-have for serious collectors.


  • Air Jordan 5 "35th Anniversary" - Jordan Brand has marked this milestone with a brand-new colorway that puts a fresh spin on the silhouette. The "35th Anniversary" features a clean white leather upper with subtle but impactful accents of Medium Soft Pink on the shark teeth, lace lock, and OG Nike Air branding on the heel. This beautiful, commemorative release offers a gentle, vibrant contrast to the AJ5's aggressive profile. 


  • Air Jordan 5 "Fire Red - Black Tongue" - A cornerstone of the original 1990 releases, the "Fire Red - Black Tongue" is back for a highly anticipated retro. This colorway features a crisp white leather upper, bright Fire Red on the midsole, and the definitive black tongue with a silver reflective finish. Most importantly for purists, this 2025 version features the coveted "Nike Air" branding on the heel, a faithful recreation of the shoe Michael Jordan wore on court. 


  • Air Jordan 5 "Awake NY - Bubblegum Pink" - In a vibrant collaboration, the Awake NY partnership delivers a bold, unforgettable take on the AJ5. The "Bubblegum Pink" colorway features a plush pink upper with distinctive detailing unique to the Awake brand. This pair offers a modern, high-fashion aesthetic to the classic hoop shoe, proving the AJ5 can be dressed up in any shade. The “Racer Blue” is a more subtle take on this Sneaker of the Year contender.

    Air Jordan 5 Retro OG 2

  • Air Jordan 5 "Black Metallic 2025" - As part of Jordan Brand’s "Reimagined" series, the legendary "Black Metallic" returns with premium updates. The shoe retains its classic look: a black nubuck upper, metallic silver reflective tongue, and red accents. However, the 2025 version features subtle tweaks to the shape and material, most notably a return to the OG "Nike Air" branding on the heel and reflective hits on the side panel piping, giving fans a true-to-form retro experience.

The 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5 is more than just a series of releases; it's a celebration of a timeless design that continues to influence sneaker culture. From the faithful reproduction of the "Fire Red" to the audacious "Awake NY" collaboration, 2025 is a banner year for one of the greatest silhouettes in sneaker history.