Best Air Jordan 5 Colourways: Our 2026 Picks

The Air Jordan 5 is Tinker Hatfield's 1990 design for Michael Jordan, a shoe built around the aggressive look of World War II fighter planes. Our pick for the best Air Jordan 5 colourway in 2026 is the 'Black University Blue', which returned in June with the colour blocking of its 2006 original intact.

Start with the Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Black University Blue', then work through the full Air Jordan 5 range. Every pair on this list is live now at PUSHAS, and every pair is authenticated by hand.

Why the Air Jordan 5 still matters

Hatfield took the shark-tooth nose art painted on World War II fighter planes and turned it into the jagged teeth that run along the midsole. That graphic is the 5's most recognisable detail.

The details were just as new. The 5 brought a clear rubber outsole, a reflective 3M tongue that flashes under light and a lace lock to the line, along with a moulded collar that rises around the ankle. Translucent netting on the side panels finished the look. Every colourway below uses that same construction, so colour and materials are what set them apart.

How we ranked them

These are our editorial picks. We weighed four things: how well the colour blocking uses the 5's shapes, the materials, the story behind the pair, and how easily it wears day to day.

1. Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Black University Blue'

The Black University Blue (DD0587-008) released on 20 June 2026, 20 years after it first appeared as part of Jordan Brand's Lifestyle Series in 2006. The return keeps the original colour blocking: a black nubuck upper, University Blue hits on the heel and lining, a 3M reflective tongue and translucent mesh panels.

It ranks first for balance: the black nubuck base is easy to wear, and the University Blue lining and heel details add contrast without taking over.

2. Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Wolf Grey'

The Wolf Grey debuted in 2011 and came back on 28 February 2026 under style code DD0587-002, its first return in 15 years. It is a quiet shoe by 5 standards, built on a tonal grey upper.

With a muted palette, the shape stands out. You notice the shark teeth, the netting and the collar rather than the colour, and it goes with almost anything in a wardrobe.

3. Air Jordan 5 Retro 'White Metallic'

The White Metallic debuted in 2000, returned in 2015 and came back on 25 April 2026 as HQ7978-103. White leather pairs with a silver tongue and an icy outsole, and this is the first time the pair has carried Nike Air branding on the heel.

It is the brightest shoe here, and the one that feels most like a warm-weather pair.

4. Air Jordan 5 Retro Awake NY 'Black'

Angelo Baque's New York label Awake NY released the Awake NY 'Black' (DV4982-004) on 30 August 2025. A black upper carries Racer Blue accents, and the Awake NY 'A' logo is built into the side netting.

Other details: 'NY' replaces the '23' on the lateral heel, the reflective tongue carries co-branding, and a logo lock-up sits under the translucent outsole.

5. Air Jordan 5 Retro Low x CLOT 'Jade'

Edison Chen's Hong Kong label CLOT released the CLOT 'Jade' low (DM4640-036) in May 2022. Jade holds deep meaning in Chinese tradition, and the shoe pairs a black upper with jade-inspired accents to honour that heritage alongside Michael Jordan's legacy.

The low cut drops the tall collar, so it wears lighter than the rest of this list and sits cleanly under wider trousers.

6. Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Aqua'

The Aqua (DD0587-047) released on 4 February 2023 and takes its cue from a Chris Paul Air Jordan 5 player exclusive. Black nubuck sets up Aquatone accents on the tongue and lace lock, a silver tongue and a Taxi-yellow midsole.

It is the loudest colourway here, and the black base keeps it wearable.

7. Air Jordan 5 Retro SE 'Georgetown Midnight Navy'

Nicknamed the 'Georgetown' for its navy and grey palette, the Midnight Navy (FD6812-400) released on 10 November 2023. Midnight Navy covers most of the upper, with black on the netting and eyestays and Football Grey accents.

Navy works as an alternative to black, and the tonal upper is simple to style.

How it fits

Check the Air Jordan size guide before you choose a size, and note that the CLOT pick is a low.

Which pair is built for you

Shoe	Built for	Wear it with
Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Black University Blue'	Collegiate colour with a dark base	Black tapered cargos and a white tee
Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Wolf Grey'	Tonal, everyday rotation	Grey fleece, washed denim, a navy overshirt
Air Jordan 5 Retro 'White Metallic'	A clean summer white	Cream shorts or light-wash straight jeans
Air Jordan 5 Retro Awake NY 'Black'	A New York collaboration	A black varsity jacket and relaxed denim
Air Jordan 5 Retro Low x CLOT 'Jade'	Low-cut collab with a cultural story	Black wide-leg trousers and a green knit
Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Aqua'	Bold accents on a black shoe	Black joggers and a teal or yellow layer
Air Jordan 5 Retro SE 'Georgetown Midnight Navy'	Navy on navy, low-key texture	Grey sweats or dark indigo denim

Live now at PUSHAS

Stock as of 27 September 2026. Every pair below is live now at PUSHAS.

• Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Black University Blue': in stock
• Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Wolf Grey': in stock
• Air Jordan 5 Retro 'White Metallic': in stock
• Air Jordan 5 Retro Awake NY 'Black': in stock
• Air Jordan 5 Retro Low x CLOT 'Jade': in stock
• Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Aqua': in stock
• Air Jordan 5 Retro SE 'Georgetown Midnight Navy': in stock

Every pair is authenticated by hand, so you can shop with confidence. The live listing shows the current price.

Read the full Black University Blue release and specs, or browse every model in the Air Jordan range.

FAQ

What is the Air Jordan 5?

The Air Jordan 5 is Tinker Hatfield's 1990 design for Michael Jordan. It takes cues from World War II fighter planes painted with shark teeth, which shows up as the jagged midsole, and it brought a clear outsole, a reflective 3M tongue and a lace lock to the line, along with a moulded collar.

When did the Jordan 5 'Black University Blue' release?

The Air Jordan 5 'Black University Blue', style code DD0587-008, released on 20 June 2026. It returns the colour blocking of the 2006 Lifestyle Series original, with black nubuck, University Blue accents and a 3M reflective tongue.

Is the Jordan 5 'Wolf Grey' a retro?

Yes. The 'Wolf Grey' first appeared in 2011 and came back on 28 February 2026 under style code DD0587-002, its first return in 15 years.

What is the Jordan 5 'White Metallic'?

The 'White Metallic' is a white leather Air Jordan 5 with a silver tongue and an icy outsole. It debuted in 2000, returned in 2015, and came back on 25 April 2026 under style code HQ7978-103 with Nike Air branding on the heel.

Which Jordan 5s are the best collaborations?

Our picks are the Awake NY 'Black', which builds the label's 'A' logo into the side netting and swaps the heel '23' for 'NY', and the CLOT 'Jade' low from Edison Chen's label, which uses jade accents to nod to Eastern heritage.