10 Essential Air Jordan Vs to Add to Your Collection

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Chicago has served as the launch pad for multiple titans in the sneaker industry, including Michael Jordan and Virgil Abloh. With the latter inspired by the former, the two Windy City representatives connected on the Off-White x Air Jordan V SP.

Fittingly released at 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, Abloh’s admiration for Jordan shined through Off-White’s first AJV collaboration. Deconstructing the signature sneaker worn by basketball’s biggest superhero, the recent release has sneakerheads finding any way to get their hands on these kicks, proving one of the most coveted takes on the AJV. Get them now here.

Michael Jordan is known for wearing baggy jeans and oversized blazers, but in 2015, he put on a Supreme shirt, Terry Richardson captured it, and the internet went nuts. If collaborating with streetwear’s most powerful brand on apparel wasn’t enough, MJ and company did the youth a major solid by releasing a trio of Supreme x Air Jordan V sneakers. 

Riffing off Chicago tones and collaborative branding was the calling card for the first two takes, but the “Desert Camo” colorway is what really rocked the world. The sneaker paid homage to MJ’s player exclusive-tagging on his Vs, flipped the 23 for that of Supreme’s founding year, and fans of both brands found it impossible not to like this hyperbole of hype.

Michael Jordan may not have made his varsity high school basketball team as a sophomore, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t tear it up as an upperclassman. The Air Jordan V Retro “Laney” pays homage to his storied cut and come-up, telling the tale of MJ’s amateur ascent in his hometown Laney Bucs tones.

The sneaker first released in 2000 as a retro+ colorway for the model’s ten-year anniversary, before returning again in 2013 as the Jordan V turned 23. It sports numeric embroidery on the heel and the Bucs’ blue and yellow hues throughout, referencing an important chapter of the greatest basketball story ever told. Shop "Laney" here.

Before the lines of luxury and streetwear were being blurred by 2020’s biggest trendsetters, Jordan Brand was upping the ante on their own collection via the “Bin23” line. The “Bin23” series aimed to redress retro classics in high quality materials and pristine palettes to showcase the premium side of this silhouette. 

The Air Jordan V Retro Premio “Bin23” did exactly that. This version played off the "Black/Metallic" AJVs that Jordan wore in the 1990 NBA Playoffs, utilizing luxe leather for a buttery take on the OG favorite. White laces offered a nod to MJ’s favored style swap, keeping this sneaker rooted in sport.

The Air Jordan V OG “Metallic” from 2016 was the latest re-release of the black and 3M favorite. It was also the first retro version of said colorway to be remastered.

Most importantly, it brought back Nike Air tagging to the heel—a beloved detail from the 1990 and 2000 releases. This pair also packed in the black nubuck, icy outsole, and reflective tongue that spoke to Day 1 collectors. The closest comps to this variation released 20 and 30 years ago, respectively, but they won’t prove as wearable as this remastered retro.

The Air Jordan V “Grape” released in 1990 as an homage to his hometown Hornets long before Jordan ever knew he’d own the franchise. They were worn by him on a Wheaties cereal box, and by Will Smith as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The bright colorway and rich history have made the “Grapes” a fan favorite for 30 years and running. 

Preceded by a debut in 1990 and a retro release in 2006, the 2013 “Grape” Vs were easier to get than earlier installments. These icy Jordan Vs remain cold to this day, still sporting the original emerald accents and grape flavor.

Just like Pablo Picasso’s “The Three Musicians” painting, there are multiple versions of the Air Jordan V “Fire Red.”

The shoe was first seen in the fall of 1990, featured a black tongue, and would kick off the campaign trail to Mike’s first NBA championship. Sporting less silver and greater doses of red and black than its 3M alternative, this OG has returned on multiple occasions, 2013 being the most recent. The sneaker carries a Jumpman logo on the heel and numeric embroidery, and has only hit stores three times in the course of its 30-year history.

In 2009, the Air Jordan V Retro “Raging Bull” Package saw Michael Jordan’s 1990 silo made over twice, refashioned boldly and brashly. While the “3M” installment was a head turner, the “Red Suede” was a slow-burning classic.

Inspired by the red bandanas worn at the famous Running of the Bulls, this rich red suede style ushered in an appetite for rojo retros. While inline homages and Trophy Room releases have riffed off the “Raging Bull” theme, no one’s done it better than this introductory take from 2009.

The Doernbecher Freestyle Series has seen plenty of heartfelt releases. Teaming up patients from the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital with designers at Nike, the inspirational collaborations have become the toast of the sneaker culture due to their creativity and rarity, all while raising money for a noble cause.

The Air Jordan V Retro “Doernbecher” is among the most imaginative. Designed by the late Isaac Arzate, his iridescent makeover of the AJV is impressive at first sight, but still more than meets the eye. Layered with lyrics to the passionate poem he penned the day before he passed, the text illuminates via black light to display the words that represent his love of basketball and baseball. Cop the "Doernbecher" here.

The “Fire Red” Air Jordan V, worn by Michael Jordan in his famous 69-point performance in Cleveland, is set to return 30 years after the original. With its Nike Air logo on heel and lack of player exclusive tagging, this is the closest to the 1990 retail release that we’ve witnessed in two decades. 

Characterized by classic components on the shoe like icy outsoles and translucent lace locks, even the packaging and paper is true to the original on this anniversary retro. 

Amped for the retro return of the first Air Jordan V colorway to ever hit retail? We are, too. Shop all ten Air Jordan Vs now at GOAT.