The Air Jordan 5 is one of the most coveted silhouettes made by the brand. First released in 1990, the shoe grew to prominence due to incredible colorways like the famous “Grape” iteration, as well as high-profile endorsements from the likes of Will Smith.
What comes to mind when you think of the Air Jordan 5? Is it the legendary “Grape” colorway from 1990? Or maybe even the man who famously wore them, Will Smith. After rumors of the Grape 5’s returning this year, a new leak from our friends Py_Rates says that the rumors are true- and that Jordan Brand has enlisted the help of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air himself for an official collaboration.
Tapping Will Smith for a purple-based Air Jordan 5 project is a brilliant move from the brand. Smith is almost universally known for his portrayal as himself, the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, on the classic 90’s tv shoe of the same name. At the time, Smith was still considered one of the world’s most stylish rappers, particularly because of his penchant for wearing incredible sneakers both on and off the show. Perhaps the most famous images of Smith in Air Jordan’s came from one of the show’s promo images, which showed young Will relaxing in an ornate chair, prominently displaying the “Grape” Air Jordan 5. Now, Will Smith is lending his name to the brand for a new release of the shoe.
The Will Smith x Air Jordan 5 collaboration will not just be limited to the fiery kicks. As shown by Py_Rates, the Jordan 5 “Grape” will release alongside a limited apparel collection including t-shirts and hoodies emblazoned with a large image of young Will Smith. However, the Air Jordan release from the project will be anything but ordinary. For this Jordan 5 release, the shoe has been slightly altered. Instead of a standard lacing system keeping the two sides of the shoe together, the design team at Jordan has come up with a sleek laceless build. This make-up takes the same plastic netting from the sidewalls of the shoe and stretches it across the tongue, creating a flexible lacing system that adjusts for each wearer’s foot. While the project with Will Smith is the first to include the laceless design, it will be interesting to see if Jordan Brand continues to release similar builds.
WILL SMITH X AIR JORDAN 5 RETRO NRG “GRAPE” RELEASE INFORMATION
The Will Smith x Air Jordan 5 Retro NRG is expected to release from Nike and select Jordan retailers soon on September 25th, 2018, Will Smith’s 50th birthday. The laceless Jordan 5 will retail for the standard $190 retail price, likely in limited numbers. Check out the early images below for a better look at the collection, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for more Air Jordan release news.
Will Smith x Air Jordan 5 Retro NRG
Release Date: September 25th, 2018
Price: $190
Color: White/Grape Ice/Black/New Emerald
Style Code: AV3919-135 
