Breaking Down the Differences: Air Jordan 5 'Grape' 2025 vs 1990

As the year 1990 dawned, the primo-sneaker release machine found a new setting and went into turbo production – and 'heads were spinning to see the likes of the , , and dominate shelves. But of all the sneakers that landed, the still reigns supreme as the high-flying heavy hitter of the early 90s.

This year, are celebrating 35 years of fifth signature silhouette, and have juiced the release calendar to the max with OG sweetness and hot colabs. Following the and teasers, we’re already poised to receive the ‘Fire Red’, the wild ‘Tokyo’ retro, a special anniversary pair and – of course – the ‘Grape’!

Despite its enduring popularity, the Air Jordan 5 ‘Grape’ hasn’t retroed as frequently as one would expect – the most recent arrival was in fact the Fresh Prince-inspired pair from 2018. As we await the new fruit's fall from the vine, what better time to break down the differences between every 'Grape' in the bowl?

First, a Brief History

The Air Jordan 5 is one of the most legendary basketball sneakers of all time, and deserves all its plaudits. Designed by sneaker superstar , the aggressive build was inspired by the nose of the P-51 Mustang fighter plane. The souped-up sneak penetrated the zeitgeist in 1990, worn by MJ himself during that year’s basketball season and setting the tone of that entire decade of . Launched the year after MJ was crowned MBP, Defensive Player of the year and All-Star Game MVP, the AJ5 entered the market with a bang in four OG colourways – ‘Grape’, ‘Fire Red’, ‘Black Metallic’ and a second ‘Fire Red’ which sported a black tongue. Since the 90s, the AJ5 has gone on to become a staple in Jordan Brand’s retro offerings, returning every year in inventive new schemes.

Retros and Other ‘Grapes’

So far, the Air Jordan 5 ‘Grape’ has touched down four times, and the fifth lands this June. Following the model's original release, Jordan brand decided to resurrect the ‘Grape’ a full 16 years later in 2006, and featuring the Jumpman heel branding instead of OG's Nike Air logo. Seven years later the juicy purple AJ5 returned, keeping to specs similar to the '06 version.

The last time we received the ‘Grape’ was in 2018, but the build wasn’t true to original form – instead, it presented an homage to 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (a show which famously indulged its star Will Smith's penchant for the prized purple heat). For this pair, Jordan Brand decided to remove the laces but add Nike Air to the heel, all in celebration of Will Smith's birthday. The outsole also featured embossed Nike branding (as opposed to Jordan branding), and the inside tongue tag is stitched upside-down, like the OG.

While there haven't been many truly faithful returns of the original ‘Grape’ colourway, there have been a stack of referential and spin-off iterations. In 2014, the ‘Black Grape’ fully blacked-out its uppers in a super stealthy version. For 2020's , the Swoosh went with a shade of aubergine so rich and deep you could practically fall into it. The original Fresh Prince homage was 2013's ‘Bel Air’, with tongue tags stitched the wrong way (being 'right way up') and a slightly greener tinge to that spiked slice of the midsole.

The 2020 ‘Alternate Bel-Air’ became known as 'Ghost Green' for its neon hits to sole and heel, the leather-clad 2015 ‘Pre-Grape’ was based off the first-ever 'Grape' sample, and 2020's presented a super subtle, very of-the-time nod to the culture.

Here’s What’s Up With the 2025 Version

The Air Jordan 5 is celebrating its mega 35th anniversary this year, and has been a heavy focus for Jordan Brand. As for the fresh 'Grape' pair, Jordan Brand have completely retooled the toe box and shape to better reflect the original – and it is definitely a success! The 2025 build is pristine, with true-to-OG colourblocking and – most importantly – Nike Air branding on the heel.

Find out where you can cop the 2025 Air Jordan 'Grape' right .