The Evolution of the Air Jordan 5 'Fire Red'

What a time the 1990s were to be a sneakerhead! Brand new models like the , and the lined store shelves. But best of all, debuted his fifth signature silhouette – the .

Designed by legend , the P-51 Mustang fighter plane-inspired basketball sneaker dropped in 1990 and reflected MJ’s attack-heavy style of play. Four different versions of the AJ5 hit retailers: the – worn by MJ during the 1990 against the Pistons – the ‘Grape’ – which were never worn on-court by the GOAT – and the two legendary ‘Fire Reds’, both donned by His Airness during the 89-90 NBA season.

In 2025, the Air Jordan 5 is celebrating a monumental 35 years, and are resurrecting the black-tongued ‘Fire Red’ to celebrate. So, why not look back at the evolution of one of the most influential Jordan brand colourways of all time?

Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ (1990)

For newbies in the sneaker scene, the OG Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ can be quite confusing – there were two versions as well as a colourway for MJ. The fan-favourite of the two that were released to the public is the ‘Black Tongue’. This pair is defined by its blacked-out tongue, and the ‘23’ embroidered on the heel in black and red. The second iteration made available to the public didn’t have ‘23’ on the lateral and had a silver tongue instead of black. Both hosted ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel.

Michael Jordan wore both of these iterations for much of the 1989/90 NBA season, but also during this year, Nike created a Player Exclusive version of the ‘Fire Red’ that was never made available to the public. This pair pulled a little switcheroo and merged both versions, rocking a silver tongue with ‘23’ embroidered in full red on the heel.

Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ (2000)

The first retro of the Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ arrived a decade after the OG released. Touching down in January of 2000, this silver-tongued ‘Fire Red’ launch celebrated Y2K with panache, delivering a shot of classic 'Nike Air' heel branding.

Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ (2006)

Sneakerheads patiently waited 16 years for another ‘Black Tongue’ variety of the AJ5 ‘Fire Red.’ In December of 2006 it finally touched down – this time with the embroidered '23' along the lateral heel. Unfortunately for the purists, this pair featured Jumpman heel branding as opposed to the classic 'Nike Air' logo present on the OGs.

Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ (2008)

In 2008, Jordan Brand dropped their legacy ‘Countdown’ pack, and the Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ was included in combination with the Air Jordan 18 (as their numbers equal 23, fitting the pack's theme). These iterations were notoriously low quality, and many went on sale for cents on the dollar. Nevertheless, they did present another chance to scoop the ‘Fire Red’ – though this version didn’t stay true to the OG. The tongue was silver, but had ‘23’ added to the lateral heel, and the heel branding presented the Jumpman instead of 'Nike Air'. These bad boys paid homage to the PE that dropped in 1990, but were potentially the worst ‘Fire Reds’ ever received.

Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ (2013)

Jordan Brand made it up to sneakerheads with a duo of ‘Fire Reds’ in 2013, after that disastrous 2008 drop. The black-tongued Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ landed in January with the silver iteration coming up behind in August. Both of these models were period correct – except for the Jumpman heel branding!

Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ (2020)

The Air Jordan 5 toasted its 30th anniversary in 2020, and Jordan Brand celebrated with another dose of ‘Fire Red’. This retro was one of the better ones, staying truly faithful to its OG forefather with its silver tongue and coveted 'Nike Air' branding.

Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red’ (2025)

This year Jordan Brand have gone HAM on the celebrations for the Air Jordan 5, dropping banger after banger. The ‘Grape’ and ‘Black Metallic’ returned, the legendary ‘Tokyo’ landed just recently – and of course, the ‘Fire Red’ is here. Staying true to the 90s version, 'Nike Air' branding hits the heel, with ‘23’ on the lateral and a crisp black tongue.

While you wait for the on September 13, check out our handy guide to Jordan's signature line .