Releasing soon is the Air Jordan 5 Retro "Grape". Saturday June 21st 2025 marks the first time this colourway has been available on shelf with "NIKE AIR" on the back since it's original release in 1990.
CAMPAIGN
While not the first non-Chicago related colorway, the Grape 5s broke the mould of it's blue counterparts (Air Jordan's 1, 3, & 4). The Swoosh featured it front & centre in promotional material, & was worn by MJ on famous advertisements.
NETWORK APPEARANCES
It made a natural appearance on celebrity feet, some which ended up being pretty iconic. This may have very been the turning point that catapulted Jordan's popularity into something beyond basketball. Big network TV played a large role in solidifying the cultural landscape of the 1990's.
(Above: Jerry Seinfeld notoriously wore a slew of golden era Nike & Jordan)
Releases, Retro's & Reissues
(Above: 2008/2009 it seemed like a no-brainer at the time, AJ5 x AF1 Fusion)
(Above: 2013 AJ5 Retro "Bel Air", the first tribute to The Fresh Prince)
(Above: 2015 AJ5 Retro "Pre Grape", a realisation of the original sample for the Grape 5)
(Above: 2018 Air Jordan 5 Retro NRG "Fresh Prince" a laceless tribute to Will Smith's iconic role)
(Above: 2018 AJ5 "Golden Fresh Prince". Family & Friends exclusive)
(Above: 2020 AJ5 Retro "Aternate Bel-Air")
LEGACY
The AJ5 Grape enjoyed mainstream visibility in a way that few other Jordan colourways ever did. It became one of the first Jordan colourways to transcend sport entirely. No clutch playoff performance or poster dunk was required to achieve it's icon status. It was earned through cultural clout – TV cameos, lifestyle wear, a little nostalgia, & decades of respect.
