Air Jordan 5 OG “Black Metallic” Reimagined 2025 !

[forest hills]

I would like to preface this by saying I respect those of you who are willing to hold firm to their preferences. I'm not knocking anyone but I will say that respectfully, anybody still expecting JB to use a different 3M material on the tongue at this point are tying their shoes together and getting mad when they fall. They've been using it since 2016 and the majority of consumers do not care. It shines well, lasts a while without cracking and chipping, and it does what it's intended to do as a design choice. Jordan Brand has no reason to change it, especially when the majority of consumers don't care. This issue doesn't hold the same weight as Nike Air returning to heels and insoles of OGs after being missing for almost 20 years. I'm not a corporate shill, just being realistic about this topic.

Does that mean I don't want to see the return of the OG smooth, matte grey 3M? No. I would love it if that style of 3M returned. It looks much better. However, it's been almost 10 years since 2016 and nothing has changed. Let's say, 2030 comes and for the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5, we get a Black Metallic release that has all the bells and whistles. I'm talking contrast ankle that has that slightly oily/leather-like sheen to it, clear outsole, netting that doesn't yellow so quick, improved shape and cut, better quality nu-durabuck/synthetic nubuck that Nike uses now, all topped of with reprints of Nike's 1990 Fall Collection catalog and Newsletter. The only catch is that they still use the current 3M on the tongue. Would some of you still pass? I couldn't, personally.

 

[forest hills]

Regarding this release though, the 3M heel is a bit much but I'm in for at least one pair. Hopefully retail pairs look even better.

 

[rainking]

Overkill with the extra 3m. Cornball vibes

JB at this point needs to reimagine that it never went down this reimagined road in the first place.

 

[retro fiend]

i dont like the toecap shape, i need that toecap and tongue from the 2000 release
but the 3M edges and NA is dope detail imo, the 2000 release is still the release with the best shape

I thought they were gonna move more towards that 2000 toe shape like they just did with the 3's and 4's but I don't know why these couldn't get that same treatment.

 

[MJO23DAN]

I would like to preface this by saying I respect those of you who are willing to hold firm to their preferences. I'm not knocking anyone but I will say that respectfully, anybody still expecting JB to use a different 3M material on the tongue at this point are tying their shoes together and getting mad when they fall. They've been using it since 2016 and the majority of consumers do not care. It shines well, lasts a while without cracking and chipping, and it does what it's intended to do as a design choice. Jordan Brand has no reason to change it, especially when the majority of consumers don't care. This issue doesn't hold the same weight as Nike Air returning to heels and insoles of OGs after being missing for almost 20 years. I'm not a corporate shill, just being realistic about this topic.

Does that mean I don't want to see the return of the OG smooth, matte grey 3M? No. I would love it if that style of 3M returned. It looks much better. However, it's been almost 10 years since 2016 and nothing has changed. Let's say, 2030 comes and for the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5, we get a Black Metallic release that has all the bells and whistles. I'm talking contrast ankle that has that slightly oily/leather-like sheen to it, clear outsole, netting that doesn't yellow so quick, improved shape and cut, better quality nu-durabuck/synthetic nubuck that Nike uses now, all topped of with reprints of Nike's 1990 Fall Collection catalog and Newsletter. The only catch is that they still use the current 3M on the tongue. Would some of you still pass? I couldn't, personally.

I will still pass.

They've actually been using the same tongues way before 2016. Think mid 2000s era.

I'll bring in an example of the AJ 11. High patent leather cut was traditionally on the OG then went away when they retroed in the 2000s and a lower cut of patent leather was used. When JB went back to the high patent leather cut on the 11 some years ago, many were up in arms about it. I'm sure a lot of folks still prefer the lower cut because that's what they've always known. I don't see a problem with JB trying to get their sneakers correct and it shouldn't have to wait until 2030 when retail prices normalize to $275-$300 a pop.

 

[Belair5]

Wait...nike air 3m? So it won't be stitched threads it'll be a Shiney material like the tongue??

 

[forest hills]

I will still pass.

They've actually been using the same tongues way before 2016. Think mid 2000s era.

I'll bring in an example of the AJ 11. High patent leather cut was traditionally on the OG then went away when they retroed in the 2000s and a lower cut of patent leather was used. When JB went back to the high patent leather cut on the 11 some years ago, many were up in arms about it. I'm sure a lot of folks still prefer the lower cut because that's what they've always known. I don't see a problem with JB trying to get their sneakers correct and it shouldn't have to wait until 2030 when retail prices normalize to $275-$300 a pop.

Understandable. I don't think it's a bad thing either that people are asking for Jordan Brand to change the 3M. I believe all criticisms that are posted on this site stem from a place of true passion and love for these shoes and a desire for them to look like their original counterparts. Granted, some complaints are quite excessive, like the speckle density nonsense from years ago, but still. I see nothing wrong with people wanting JB correct the flaws in the current retros. I hope my post did not come across that way.

The changes that have been made to the OG retros as of late have been great. They're all getting to a point that they should have been at years ago. Some still leave a bit to be desired (5s need less bulbous collar, 6s need a higher tongue, etc) but the changes have been solid thus far. I just feel like passing on a [hypothetical] near perfect Metallic or Fire Red release because the 3M tongue isn't like it used to be is unfortunate. Perhaps even a little sad to me since it sucks seeing fellow enthusiasts pass on colorways they love due to an issue that there's no guarantee will ever get fixed, but at the same time we had no guarantee we'd see the Nike Air return on the 3 thru 6, among other changes yet here we are. So anything is possible I guess. I just hope JB addresses this issue sooner than later.

 

[JRepp23]

The brand thought too hard on this one.

 

[airthompson]

The heel Nike Air not being stitched is an automatic pass. They look good nonetheless but enough with the reimagined crap.

 

[rwfanatic]

This is what everyone wants?

 

[green rhino123]

Might pass on these like I did the re-imagined 4.

 

[ill4eva]

“They look much better in these pics. I’ll probably end up copping a pair. I just won’t wear them at night because that 3M is overkill” - 1 month from now.

“I was gonna pass, but my girl managed to hit on SNKRS and got these for me for Valentine’s Day. A nice consolation prize since we struck out on the Black/Red 1s” - February 15, 2025

 

[1978S]

This is what everyone wants?

Minus the yellowing....why not?

 

[supremex762]

This is what everyone wants?

Add 23

 

[engineer]

Add 23

5s are so much better without the 23. Especially that horrible font they’ve used on all of the retros.

 

[supremex762]

Metallic 5’s with no 23 on the side is a travesty.

 

[airflight69]

This is what everyone wants?

This plz

 

[trappedintime]

The “horrible” font is the actual B52 bomber font which is the inspiration of the shoe. It belongs on there, even if the stitching on past retros has been meh. Anyone saying it doesn’t misses the entire point.

 

[OldManJays]

I’m indifferent towards the 23 on the heel, except maybe on black tongues since those always had it.

The more I look at these the more I like them tbh, but I’ve always loved this shoe in general and I missed out in 2016 so these are a must for me.

 

[rainking]

The “horrible” font is the actual B52 bomber font which is the inspiration of the shoe. It belongs on there, even if the stitching on past retros has been meh. Anyone saying it doesn’t misses the entire point.

What are you talking about? The original font used on MJ’s PEs has never been used on a retro of this shoe. Also, I’m pretty sure Tinker has explained the inspiration was seeing MJ floating around the perimeter of the game waiting to strike like a fighter pilot. If there’s a quote I’m forgetting where he said it was a B52, I’m happy to stand corrected. Regardless, people want and prefer that OG PE 23 font.

 

[engineer]

The “horrible” font is the actual B52 bomber font which is the inspiration of the shoe. It belongs on there, even if the stitching on past retros has been meh. Anyone saying it doesn’t misses the entire point.

If it “belongs there” then why wasn’t it on the OG?

 

[JRepp23]

I think he means in terms of his PEs. Mike had a 23 on the side of them I believe on all his pairs worn. Its understood that the released originals didnt with the exception of the black tongues. I personally would prefer the 23 also. Whenever they decide to do the Black tongue, they better have it on there. With an updated font as well to match the 90 version.

 

[trappedintime]

I think he means in terms of his PEs. Mike had a 23 on the side of them I believe on all his pairs worn. Its understood that the released originals didnt with the exception of the black tongues. I personally would prefer the 23 also. Whenever they decide to do the Black tongue, they better have it on there. With an updated font as well to match the 90 version.

Yeah we’re splitting hairs about whether the 2011 version with 23 on them is a “different” font. It’s not a different font or someone could point out what that font actually is. It’s just a half assed stitch job which we’re all aware of. Doesn’t change the fact that it should release with 23.

I’m not going to keep engaging in this kind of anal retentive debate but if someone doesn’t believe that’s the same font used on the B52 I don’t really care what they think. Plain as day in this photo.

 

[5o'clockShadowBoxer]

Just USAF font.

 

[engineer]

I think he means in terms of his PEs. Mike had a 23 on the side of them I believe on all his pairs worn. Its understood that the released originals didnt with the exception of the black tongues. I personally would prefer the 23 also. Whenever they decide to do the Black tongue, they better have it on there. With an updated font as well to match the 90 version.

This is what I was saying. I’ll take a 23 if it has the original font. The retros had a totally different font it’s not a matter of execution. Idk what that guy is going on about with the bomber nonsense. Either put the original 23 like the PE or leave it off.