Take an Official Look at the Air Jordan 5 "Fire Red"

It’s been three decades since the Air Jordan 5 originally released in 1990, so Jordan Brand is celebrating the iconic silhouette’s milestone anniversary by re-releasing a true-to-the-original “Fire Red” makeup. First seared into the basketball-loving public’s consciousness on March 28, 1990, the metallic-tongued “Fire Red” was on Michael Jordan‘s feet when he turned in a scintillating 69-point performance during a Chicago Bulls victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then it’s released in 2000 and again in 2013, so this marks its third retro release — and the old “third time’s the charm” adage rings true, as this may be the most accurate re-creation yet.

High-cut uppers are constructed of a crisp white leather, with a hi-vis reflective silver tongue providing signature shimmering contrast. Branding arrives by way of an embroidered red Jumpman on this tongue and a OG red Nike Air hit on the heel, while lace toggles add more Nike hits and red trim around the collars brings a little extra sizzle. Signature translucent plastic netting on the midfoot completes the top half

When designing the Air Jordan 5, Tinker Hatfield was inspired in part by the P-51 Mustang, a famous World War II-era US fighter plane. These were often painted with aggressive shark-toothed mouths, a visceral detail replicated by the zigzagging red details on the black midsole. An Air unit is visible in the heel, and icy blue outsoles with printed Jordan logos complete the look.

The Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red” will release via Nike SNKRS Japan on March 27 — almost 30 years to the day of MJ’s 69-point game — then hit Western outposts like Foot Locker almost a full month later on April 25. The MSRP is set at $200 USD.

For more from Jordan Brand, get an on-foot look at the Air Jordan 5 “Top 3.”