Alongside the “Black Metallic Reimagined” and “Grape” colorways, Jordan Brand is bringing back another original Air Jordan 5 in 2025 to celebrate the silhouette’s 35th anniversary. The Air Jordan 5 Fire Red “Black Tongue,” one of the most coveted original colorways, is set to return in its truest form yet.

First released in 1990, the shoe honors Tinker Hatfield’s iconic design, featuring the jagged midsole, bump-out collar, vented side and tongue panels, and Michael Jordan’s iconic number 23 stitched onto the heel. A white leather upper pairs with Fire Red and black accents, while the black tongue creates contrast against the silver-tongued versions of the same era. Visible Nike Air cushioning sits within the black-and-red midsole, and a semi-translucent outsole completes the look with a Jumpman graphic underneath.

The “Fire Red” is one of the four original Air Jordan 5 colorways, alongside the “Black Metallic,” “White Metallic,” and “Grape.” Worn on court by Michael Jordan during the 1989–90 NBA season, it became the only OG Air Jordan 5 to feature MJ’s number 23 embroidered on the heel. Over the years, the Fire Red 5 has returned in several forms: first in 2006, again in 2013, and even as a low-top version in 2016. Retro pairs from 2000, 2008, and 2020 offered reflective silver tongues instead of the black version, making this upcoming release particularly special for purists.

The 2025 edition brings back all the period-correct details and the early-90s shape that collectors have been waiting for. White leather forms the base of the upper, complemented by translucent panels on the sides. The Fire Red midsole is accented with black shark-tooth detailing, while an icy translucent outsole nods to the original design. True to form, the shoe includes “Nike Air” branding on the heel and MJ’s embroidered number 23 in red and black on the lateral heel.

While the Fire Red 5 has been reissued multiple times, this release marks the first true retro of the original 1990 version, complete with every detail that made the OG legendary. The Air Jordan 5 Fire Red “Black Tongue” will release in full-family sizing on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Prices are set at $215 for adults, $160 for big kids, $100 for little kids, and $85 for toddlers, and the sneaker will be available through Nike and select Nike retailers.