The fifth sneaker in the series, the Air Jordan V was released in early 1990 in five color combinatios and, as usual, presented numerous innovations and distinctive designs and features. It was designed by Tinker Hatfield, the genius who brought to life the previous four shoes in the line.
The new model rolled outin a season when the head coach of the Bulls, Doug Collins, was replaced by Phil Jackson, a move which would give the team the best season since Jordan joined them, setting a franchise best record at 55-27. This was also Michael’s best year in his career, scoring 69 points against Cleveland.
It was circulated the Hatfield was inspired by the WW2 Mustang fighter when he designed the Air Jordan 5, mainly because of the clearly visible shark teeth on the midsole.
The designer took some elements from the previous Air Jordan IV, but there are clearly major design innovations. The most distinctive are the reflective tongue and lace locks.
 The Air Jordan V was the first in the Air Jordan line to have a clear rubber sole. They gave the shoe a new look and provide better traction, but had a flaw that would make them turn yellow over time. Some collectors turned to drastic actions like keeping them in 0 humidity environments to preserve their original color.
The Air Jordan 5 model is considered to have the best structure and design for basketball games and sold the most pairs of shoes from the Air Jordan line. The lace locks on the Air Jordan 5 made strapping on the shoe easier and it was considered that it was the best basketball shoe at the time.
Air Jordan 5 Retro
Air Jordan V was first retroed in 1999 in the White/Black-Fire Red and Black/Black-met silver color combinations and as expected, they were in high demand. A second retro release was done in 2006 in the popular LS "Grape" V's, LS "burgundy" V's and Fire-Red" V's color ways. The black/metallic/fire red color combinations were later released in 2007.
One of the Retro+ models that were released featured Michaels high school colors(Laney High School).
When first released in 1990, the Black/Black-Metallic Silver and White/Fire Red-Black combinations were available only in 100 pair that were either given to less privileged children or auctioned. |
