The Air Jordan 5 Retro Grape have been revived after 12 years. This highly anticipated return marks one of the most requested retro releases in sneaker history, with fans eagerly awaiting its comeback since the last official release.
The iconic 1990 sneaker, made famous as the chosen footwear of Will Smith’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air character, will be re-released on June 21, 2025. The original Air Jordan 5 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and was inspired by World War II fighter planes, featuring distinctive reflective tongue material and shark tooth-inspired midsole design elements.
Available across all ages, the adult sneaker will retail for $210. The pricing reflects the premium positioning of Jordan retro releases, which have seen consistent increases over recent years due to rising material costs and increased global demand.
It’s also the first time the Nike Air branding has appeared on a reissue. This detail represents a significant shift from previous releases that featured “Jumpman” branding, making this version more authentic to the original design and highly coveted among serious collectors worldwide.
Distinct to other sneakers in the Michael Jordan brand, the Grape boasts a white leather upper with vibrant Grape Ice purple and New Emerald green accents on the tongue, midsole, and lace toggle. The colorway was originally created to complement the bold fashion trends of the early nineties and has remained a cultural icon in contemporary streetwear fashion.
The sneakers have been re-released before under Jordan Brand’s limited-edition LS (Lifestyle) line in 2006, and in 2013. The previous releases featured slight material variations but maintained the core aesthetic that made the original so beloved among basketball and fashion enthusiasts alike.
In 2018, the Jordan Brand dropped a pair of laceless Grapes as a nod to the way Will Smith would wear them in the beloved US sitcom. This creative interpretation acknowledged the cultural impact of the Fresh Prince character’s casual styling approach, which influenced how an entire generation approached sneaker fashion and casual wear.
The Air Jordan 5 silhouette has achieved legendary status among basketball shoe designs since its debut. The Grape colorway specifically has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after variations, often commanding premium prices on the secondary market due to its cultural significance and limited availability.
Meanwhile, Billie Eilish released a vegan Air Jordan sneaker collection in 2021. The collaboration represented Jordan Brand’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness, attracting a new demographic of eco-aware consumers to the historic basketball brand.
The Bad Guy singer teamed up with the legendary brand on a variation of the Air Jordan 1 KO and the Air Jordan 15 in lime green and nude. “The megastar gushed that it was a ‘surreal experience’ getting to collaborate with the Jordan Brand on her own designs of the signature shoes made famous by the namesake retired basketball champion, Michael Jordan.” Her collection demonstrated the brand’s ability to transcend traditional basketball culture and appeal to diverse musical audiences.
The Grammy winner followed in the footsteps of the likes of Travis Scott, Drake and J Balvin in collaborating with the Jordan Brand. These high-profile partnerships have established celebrity collaborations as a cornerstone of modern sneaker marketing, creating unique limited editions that blend athletic heritage with contemporary cultural influence.
Sneaker culture has evolved dramatically since the original Grape release, with Jordan Brand now representing one of the most valuable athletic footwear divisions globally. The retro market specifically has become a dominant force in sneaker retail, highlighting the enduring appeal of classic basketball shoe designs and colorways.
The upcoming Grape release is expected to be one of the year’s most significant sneaker drops. Pre-release anticipation on social media platforms has already generated substantial buzz, with hashtags related to the release gaining traction across multiple digital platforms and sneaker communities worldwide.
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Retailers are preparing for the high-demand release by implementing lottery systems and special authentication measures to combat counterfeiting. The global sneaker authentication market has experienced significant growth in recent years, largely driven by high-value releases like coveted Jordan retros and limited collaborations.
The cultural significance of the Air Jordan 5 Grape extends far beyond athletic footwear, representing an intersection of sports, entertainment, and fashion that continues to influence contemporary style. This particular colorway helped establish the foundation for modern sneaker collecting culture and remains a benchmark for successful athletic shoe design and cultural impact.
