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Fans of the Air Jordan 5 have been treated to a slew of original colorways in 2025 thanks to Jordan Brand’s 40th anniversary and the 35th anniversary of the AJ 5 itself, including the Grape and a Reimagined version of the Air Jordan 5 Retro Black Metallic. For 2026, Jordan Brand is continuing its strategy of retroing early 2000s non-OG colorways of Air Jordans (as seen with the Jordan 9 French Blue and Jordan 14 Black University Blue) by bringing back the White Metallic Air Jordan 5.
Let's go through a brief history lesson. In the early 2000s, Jordan Brand was retroing many Air Jordan models for the first time, and to help differentiate these from the originals, they produced a series of sneakers under the “Retro+” moniker.
The concept is fairly similar to the modern “Reimagined” line, although the Retro+ were mainly on non-OG colorways. Kicking it off was the Air Jordan 5 Retro+ White Metallic in 2000, which featured a white leather upper, 23 embroidery on the lateral heel, Jumpman branding on the heel, a reflective tongue, and metallic silver accents on the sole unit.
Only one original Air Jordan 5 colorway came with 23 embroidered on the side, the Fire Red Black Tongue (which returns later this year), with the White Metallic retro marking the beginning of the “23” becoming commonplace on Jordan 5 retros. It wouldn’t be until 2015 that the pair would re-release, coming in the same color scheme as the original.
2026’s retro of the Jordan 5 White Metallic will be the first time the colorway launches with Nike Air branding on the heel tab, a detail once reserved specifically for original colorways of Air Jordan retros. Outside of this change, expect to see the same white leather upper with silver and black accents, as well as an icy translucent outsole.
The Air Jordan 5 Retro OG White Metallic will release April 25, 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in full-family sizing, the retail price is set at $215 (men), $160 (GS), $100 (PS), and $85 (TD). Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
