In a sea of red, black, and Bulls-themed heritage, the Air Jordan 5 “Grape” has always stood out to me. Not for what Michael Jordan did on the court, but for how it built it culture off the court. A sneaker defined more by pop culture than performance, the Grape 5 is a testament to how style, story, and surprise colour choices can spark a legacy that spans generations. With the 2025 “Grape” retro finally returning with Nike Air branding, it’s the perfect time to break down the complete history of one of the most iconic Jordan colourways of all time.
1990 : Launching the “Grape”
When Tinker Hatfield unveiled the Air Jordan 5 in 1990, it was a sneaker inspired by the aggression and agility of the WWII-era P-51 Mustang fighter plane, visible in its midsole teeth, reflective tongue, and translucent outsole. Four OG colourways launched: ‘Fire Red’, ‘Black Metallic’, a second ‘Fire Red’ with a black tongue, and then, the curveball: ‘Grape’. White leather, emerald green midsole spikes, and grape purple hits on the tongue and inner lining. It was bold. It was brash. And it was unlike anything seen before on a basketball shoe. Oddly enough, Michael Jordan never wore the Grapes on court. Instead, the pair made its mark in two unexpected places:
- On the front of a Wheaties box in 1990
- And on Will Smith’s feet, worn laceless on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
That sitcom moment turned a colourway into a cultural Icon arguably meaning more than an on-court appearance ever would, cementing the Grape 5 as a symbol of early ‘90s street style, casual cool, and Black pop culture royalty.
2006: The Long-Awaited Retro
After 16 years, Jordan Brand finally brought back the “Grape” 5 in 2006. It released as part of the LS (Lifestyle) program, was limited to Tier Zero stores, and switched the OG Nike Air for a Jumpman logo on the heel. Despite the branding switch, demand was sky-high. The Fresh Prince association, combined with the rise of streetwear and sneaker culture meant louder palettes where all the taste, made the release was a cult hit. This was the start of the Grape 5’s second life.
2010: The Fusion Experiment
In 2010, Jordan Brand fused classics with the Air Force 1 to create hybrid silhouettes. Enter the Air Jordan 5 Fusion “Grape”, a divisive remix that polarised fans but caught a moment when Kobe Bryant wore them during a studio visit with Kanye West. Love it or hate it, this moment proved how the Grape DNA had crossed into new territory, now worn and recognised even by players outside the Jordan lineage. Despite the failure of the hybrid silhouettes this was a moment for the “Grape” colourway.
2013: Widening the Grape Family
In 2013, the original “Grape” returned again, this time as a general release, allowing fans who missed out in 2006 to finally lace up. It was faithful to form (Jumpman branding) and welcomed by a wider audience. But Jordan Brand didn’t stop there. That same year, they flipped the concept with the “Black Grape”, replacing the white upper with black nubuck. It was sleek, stylish, and for many, more wearable than the original, proving at the time that reinterpretations could rival the OG for popularity.
2018: The Fresh Prince Era
The Grape went full pop culture in 2018 with the Air Jordan 5 “Fresh Prince” release, an official tribute to Will Smith’s iconic laceless look. The pair featured sealed eyelets, no laces, and most importantly, Nike Air on the heel for the first time since 1990. Some fans loved the tribute, others wished the eyelets were left open. But it didn’t end there, Will Smith also received a gold satin “Fresh Prince” friends-and-family edition, limited to just 23 pairs. NBA sneakerhead PJ Tucker even wore his on court. This was a full 360 moment and solidified Jordans acknolesgment of the way that the show had cemented its history.
2020: The Alternate Grape
In 2020, Jordan Brand doubled down on the colourway’s legacy with the “Alternate Grape”. This time, deep purple suede took center stage. The teal midsole spikes and translucent sole stayed true, but the balance shifted. This version was for a modern fan, those who’d grown up with the legend but wanted something new. Not OG but inspired, it tapped into the mood of sneakerheads with bad purple tones. Very on brand for the Hype era. Though not an OG, the Alternate Grape helped carry the flame for a new generation of collectors.
2025: The Return of the OG
Now, in 2025, Jordan Brand is finally giving fans what they’ve waited 35 years for: a true OG retro of the Air Jordan 5 “Grape” with accurate shape, original colorblocking, and Nike Air branding on the heel. No more reinterpretations. No fusions. No sealed eyelets or alternate shades. This is the closest we’ve been to 1990 since… well, 1990. Dropping June 21st, this release isn’t just a retro, it’s a correction. A celebration. A full-circle moment for a colourway that changed what a basketball shoe could be.
Final Thoughts: Why the Grape Endures
The Air Jordan 5 “Grape” is proof that sneaker culture is bigger than sport. It’s about style, identity, and the moments that make us fall in love with kicks. Whether it’s Will Smith on your TV, MJ on your cereal box, or a fond memory of these iconic J’s, it’s a colourway that lives beyond the court. And now, finally, it lives again.
