Air Jordan V | Designer : Tinker Hatfield | Released : 1990

The Air Jordan V was a statement of Michael Jordan’s aggressive nature on the court. Released in February 1990 for $125, the AJ V featured a sharktooth design on the lateral (outer) midsole that designer Tinker Hatfield drew from a World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane.

Hatfield also reflected the attitude of “aggression” both in the traction the shoe offered, and by molding foam into the upper. The AJ V also introduced the concept of “iced” outsoles of translucent rubber, as well as the inclusion of lace-lock toggles.

The designer carried over the visible Air-Sole unit from the AJ III and AJ IV, as well as the mesh from the AJ IV.

An embroidered Jumpman logo graced a tongue that, in certain colorways, also featured 3M reflectivity on the outside. “Air Jordan” was stitched inside.

Another first on the AJ V was an offset ankle collar, designed to boost support while offering flexibility where a player needed it most. The overall cut of the shoe was higher than previous models.

The Grape Purple/Emerald colorway was the first time those colors had appeared on a basketball shoe. And it brought even further attention to MJ and his sneakers at a time when his game already was turning heads.

During that season, Jordan earned his sixth straight All-Star Game appearance, won his fourth straight league scoring title, and was named to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team. He and his Bulls were not able to get past Detroit in the conference finals, but they were knocking on the proverbial door to something truly special.

Link: Air Jordan V