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Saturday (well, Friday at midnight) marks one of the most hyped releases in 2011 — the black/metallic silver-red Air Jordan Vs. If you have ever been in any debate regarding the greatest Js, the Vs are no doubt somewhere in the discussion. Some people might have a compelling argument for the IIIs, the XIs, or even XVs (kidding!) as the greatest model that our man Tinker Hatfield created for His Airness, but has any model come as hard with the different colorways than the V? Complex breaks it down and ranks the best 15 Air Jordan Vs of all-time — you can peep the science here.
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#15 Air Jordan V "Laser"
Originally Relased: 2007
Complex says: Perhaps the most unique design amongst all the Air Jordan V releases, the “Lasers” were considered a Jordan Lifestyle release and only dropped in men’s sizes. Some people might be hesitant to co-sign the actual lasering itself — although the inner lining looks sick — but there is no denying that the bright orange midsole alone breaks necks.
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#14 Air Jordan V "Jordan Motorsports Year 5"
Originally Released: 2008
Complex says: Ever since MJ retired and got into this whole motorcycle racing thing heavy, he's been lacing his team with exclusive retros. This white/University Blue V blends the whole "Old Love/New Love" theme nicely, but still, it seems like there's something missing. Like a third color. Or some embroidery. Something.
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#13 Air Jordan V "DMP - Toro Bravo - Black/Varsity Red"
Originally Released: 2009
Complex says: The “Toro Bravo” pack is easily one of the sickest defining moments pack to date. The dark colorway wasn’t the hottest of the two but didn’t have Jordanheads flipping them on eBay like most do with the weaker kicks from Jordan packs. The sneakers featured the usual 3M reflective material (in this case, the entire upper), a clear netted side, and — well, we’ll get to the other joints from the pack later on.
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#12 Air Jordan V "Quai 54"
Originally Released: 2011
Complex says: Americans were teased and Europeans cashed in with this special edition Jordan. The Quai 54 Air Jordan V celebrated the Paris streetball tournament of the same name, and the release received bright green hits and "Quai 54" stitching on the side where we’re used to seeing the number 23. Black pairs were even more limited. Over in the states we’re still a little upset we never saw these hit our shelves.
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#11 Air Jordan V "Wolf Grey"
Originally Released: 2011
Complex says: “Cool Grey” was all the rage in 2010 — and when Jordan Brand announced they were dropping the rugged yet still smooth “Wolf Grey” Jordan Vs in 2011 sneaker fans weren’t mad. The colorway is clean enough to rock with just about anything, yet isn’t too shiny suit a la Bad Boy in the late '90s, so you can stunt without feeling like you’re reaching.
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#10 Air Jordan V "Bin 23"
Originally Released: 2011
Complex says: Inspired by Jordan’s 48-point performance versus the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1990 playoffs, this pair features an upper with premium leathers and no-sew technology. This was the first time a black Jordan V came with white laces, which was inspired by Jordanhead Alex Meacham. He saw them the summer after Jordan torched Milwaukee and said “It was like you had to earn your white laces. You’ve got to be a baller to wear them.”
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#9 Air Jordan V "Silver/Green Bean-Flint Grey"
Originally Released: 2006
Complex says: One of the most standard and highlighted features on the Vs is the 3M reflective tongue. On the “Green Beans,” Jordan Brand made the whole upper illuminate once the lights hit it — if you got ‘em go ahead and do that Yayo dance. The sneaker also featured very detailed accents and a clear outsole. Yeah, that 3M though, we’re still stuck on that.
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#8 Air Jordan V "Army Olive/Solar Orange-Black"
Originally Released: 2006
Complex says: This release was a match made in heaven for the Jordan and camouflage lovers. Paired up with Solar Orange on the liner and branding, the green distressed upper took some time getting used to but it became a classic. And as a part of a lifestyle release you could get some matching gear as well.
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#7 Air Jordan V "DMP - Toro Bravo Pack - Red/Black"
Originally Released: 2009
Complex says: When you break down a shoes greatness, history always holds major weight. Sometimes though, a sneaker just stands out and regardless if it was ever worn on the courts. The red colorway from the “Toro Bravo” pack is the epitome of a neck-breaking kick. The all-suede upper and red laces combined with black eyelets and black sole is one of the best combinations of materials and color scheme on a Jordan shoe, period. Run with the Bulls.
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#6 Air Jordan V "Laney"
Originally Released: 2000
Complex says: High school can be a great time for most, Michael Jordan went from getting cut from the varsity as a sophomore (he then played on JV) to being recruited to play under Dean Smith at UNC. The Laney V is named after Jordan’s high school and takes on the school colorway as well. We haven't seen them since the original release in 2000, but we can always hope for another drop.
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#5 Air Jordan V "Tokyo 23"
Originally Released: 2011
Complex says: Not many can say that this Jordan V is in their collection since the release was limited to select Japan retailers. This bright yellow drop celebrated the Jordan Tokyo 23 grand opening and was pretty much sold out before doors ever opened. If you were lucky enough to cop, congrats — the rest of us envy you.
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#4 Air Jordan V "White/Black-Fire Red"
Originally Released: 1990
Complex says: What else is there to say about an all-time classic? One of the original Air Jordan V retros back when they still had "Nike Air" on the back, the OG "White/Black-Fire Red" colorway brought back memories of Mars Blackmon, 50-point games, and the hated Bad Boy Pistons. Tinker's design looks every bit as fresh today as it did back in '90.
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#3 Air Jordan V "White/Fire Red-Black"
Originally Released: 1990
Complex says: One of the first "PEs" to see a general release, the "Fire Red" Air Jordan Vs subtracted the 3M tongue (replacing it with basic black) but added an embroidered "23" on the outer heels. Being Like Mike had never been easier.
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#2 Air Jordan V "Black/Metallic Silver-Red"
Originally Released: 1990
Complex says: The Black Jordan V has been re-released twice since it was created in 1990 — once in its original form, and the next time with the Jordan-exclusive 23 embroidery on the outer heels. The all-black upper is one of the favorite colorways of sneaker fans all over. The one downside to OG and '99 pairs was the yellowing of the clear outsole, which has been revamped in more durable materials.
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#1 Air Jordan V "Grapes"
Originally Released: 1990
Complex says: Back in 1990, the "Grape Ice/New Emerald" Air Jordan Vs came out of nowhere — well, as most sneakers did back in the pre-internet days. But while the "Military Blue" Air Jordan IVs had something of a North Carolina connection, no matter how tenuous, the "Grapes" were strictly a lifestyle drop with no specific Jordan connection. Didn't matter, though, because they were amazing. And they still are.
