2025 has been a cause for much celebration in the Jumpman camp. Not only is this the label’s 40th anniversary year, but popular models like the Jordan 11, Jordan 5, and Jordan 1 (of course) are also commemorating major milestones. But it’s another significant landmark in the brand’s legacy that has inspired the design of the Air Jordan 5 “Wings.”
This special edition sneaker celebrates ten years of Michael Jordan’s “Wings” Scholarship Program with a shiny silver look. The AJ 5 sneaker is covered from toe to heel in a luxe satin fabric, with the model’s side netting taking on a tonal silver hue to match. The shoes also include metallic silver hangtags and embroidery at the heel that honour a decade of the programme’s successes.
But one aspect of the look that has sparked plenty of chatter among sneakerheads is the “In This Family” and “No One Flies Alone” text embroidered across the toes.
“We don’t need the writing on the tip of the shoe TF”, one Instagram user wrote, while another commented, “I hate the text on the toe, but other than that they cool.” We have to admit that the embroidery at the toe isn’t our favourite touch either, but we still believe this is one of the nicest “Wings” designs we’ve seen in a while.
Last year saw the release of a pretty basic Jordan 3 design, save for a lovely rose print on the mudguard, and 2023 was the year of the Jordan 2 design that didn’t really sell. So, we can overlook the embroidery detail on the toe, especially since the proceeds benefit a pretty good cause.
Jordan Brand’s Wings Program helps disadvantaged children achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Every year, the brand invites a new group of scholars to participate in programs like their Design Program and Beyond Basketball project, and this initiative continues to have a positive impact on the community.
But if flashy silver shoes aren’t your style, the Jumpman has a full lineup of other Jordan 5 releases planned in honour of the model’s 35th anniversary. In fact, there have been a little more than a dozen different colourways released this year to celebrate the Tinker Hatfield-designed sneaker.
Some of the silhouette’s most coveted colourways of all time have even made a return to mark the occasion, including the Grape 5s and Black Metallic (albeit a reimagined version).
Highlights still to come include the Air Jordan 5 OG “Fire Red” (Black Tongue) and the Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo”.
As for the Jordan 5 “Wings”, you can grab a pair via Nike.com and select retailers in Fall 2025.
