10 Reasons You Should Have Bought the Laney Air Jordan 5s

Image via Complex Original

The original Laneys came out over a decade ago in 2000. Chances are you were scared to cop a pair of them now, because you were worried that they would crack. Or you found out the hard way by them actually cracking while were wearing them. Without proper storage or just not being well taken care of, original Laneys could easily be ruined. Do you really feel like doing a sole swap?

These weren't some crazy quickstrike-super-exclusive-only-certain-Nike-accounts-will-get-them kicks. They're probably still available at your local sneaker spot right now (although they disappeared off NDC with the quickness). Don't be lazy, bro.

The oval laces aren't usually used on too many retro Jordans, and they can give the sneakers a totally different look. They make the Laneys look a lot neater, and they don't fray as easily as flat laces.

Who doesn't love a fresh pair of icy soles? Even moreso, blue icy soles? The soles with the blue tint also have a tendency to forego yellowing.

These are the only sneakers that commemorate Michael before he was anywhere near the spotlight. There are a few Carolina blue sneakers that go along with the Tar Heels uniform. But these are the only ones that are inspired by his high school days in Wilmington, NC. This was the true beginning of Jordan's basketball career, and where he learned to persevere through adversity.

JB stayed true to the originals with the tumbled leather and it looks beautiful. Not to mention that creases aren't as noticeable. Think ahead.

People have been complaining about the quality of retro Jordans for a while now (not that it's stopped anyone from buying them). But one look on YouTube and you'll see a lot of people who got their hands on pairs early. They're saying the quality is top-notch. It's time to check it out for yourself.

A lot of the retros we've been seeing had previously been retroed relatively recently. But seeing that it took Jordan almost 14 years to retro the Laneys, who knows when or if Jordan will ever release these again? You know like we know, waiting another 14 years will be too much.

How often do we get a pair of Jordans that don't in the least bit match a Bulls jersey, but are still dope? The blue and yellow looks great on the 5s and make a perfect summer sneaker. Not every sneaker you cop has to be described as BRED. They will even match your Warriors jersey—how often can you say that?

Okay, maybe you did find a pair of wearable VVVVVVNDS Laney's, but how much did they cost? Exactly. You were better off just copping the retro, probably for half the price. Of course now you have to check Flight Club and eBay with everyone else who slept. Good luck with that.