Virgil Abloh and Nike have created one of the most discussed sneaker lines in history. When news broke in 2016 that the Chicago born designer and Oregon sportswear giant would be working together, sneakerheads and fashion fans alike began to dream up the possibility of what the designs would look like. Now, three years and 50 shoes later, the two are dropping the latest instalment next month in the form of an Air Jordan 5.
Rumours began circulating back in October that Abloh and Jordan Brand would be working together once more, the sneaker world lit up. The chosen model would be the Air Jordan 5, a silhouette that turns 30 this year and is one of significance in the sneaker community. Thankfully we now have a closer look at the upcoming release.
The design screams Abloh but it has not been as deconstructed as the previous Off-White™ x Air Jordan collaborations. A black textile mesh upper is a futuristic homage to the original Black Metallic Air Jordan 5 that released 30 years prior. Familiar details such as the printed text on the medial side and the shoelaces make a return, with other details requiring closer inspection.
Taking inspiration from the latest Off-White™ “Meteorite” campaign, Abloh has placed ‘holes’ throughout the sneaker, the most noticeable of which comes on the tongue near the Jumpman logo. Other holes can be seen throughout the medial and lateral side, with the same classic printed text visible through the mesh and a feint ’23’ being found on the heel.
Abloh has used a black midsole and grey shark teeth as another throwback to the OG Metallic 5s, with a vintage-style translucent yellow sole can be found with the Jumpman placed underneath to creating a sense of ageing.
Whatever the case may be, it’s safe to say that these latest Nike x Off-White™ sneakers will be one of the drops of the year. Early reports are suggesting that the shoes will release during February for a retail of £170/€225.
