Jordan Brand will soon release the Air Jordan 5 PRM “El Grito” on the 7th of September, 2024. What makes this sneaker special is the story behind it. Named after the famous “El Grito de la Independencia,” this shoe celebrates the historic cry for independence that marked the beginning of Mexico’s struggle for freedom. But is it worthy of the greatness it claims to honour?
The Significance of “El Grito de la Independencia”
“El Grito de la Independencia,” or “The Cry of Independence,” was a massive moment in Mexican history. In case you didn’t read about it in our piece on another shoe commemorating the same extraordinary day, on the 16th of September, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo, a Roman Catholic priest, rang the bell of his church in the small town of Dolores and called upon the people to rise against the Spanish colonial government. It took guts to do this, considering the punishment he could have suffered, but this call to action marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence, which ultimately led to Mexico’s independence in 1821. This moment is still remembered to this day, with a re-enactment by whoever holds the office of President as he or she rings the same bell in Mexico City.
The Design of the Air Jordan 5 PRM “El Grito”
Okay, let’s put our revolutionary, world-changing sentiments aside and talk about the shoe itself. As mentioned earlier, the Air Jordan 5 PRM “El Grito” draws its visual inspiration from the colours of the Mexican flag. We get a diffused taupe upper, which serves as a neutral base that is then complemented by red and green mismatched details. The accents are there not only to symbolize the Mexican flag but also to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. This release is part of a broader trend in the sneaker industry, where brands are increasingly drawing inspiration from cultural and historical events to create designs that tell a story.
As we’ve come to expect from the Air Jordan 5 line, the “El Grito” shoe is built from premium materials. The leather upper is sleek and swanky, while the tongue features a unique lace lock, following the same mismatched vibe on the midsole.
Reactions and Humour
While the Air Jordan 5 PRM “El Grito” has been admired for its cultural tribute, it’s also sparked some humorous reactions from those less fond of its design, particularly some who refer to themselves as proudly Mexican. Commenting on a post about the sneakers on the Instagram page of the @nicekicks account, user @airpenny23 remarked, “As a Mexican, I proudly decline these and pass them off to Italians.” Ouch.
This highlights what we already know about sneaker culture – it’s subjective. We don’t think any hate was intended in this comment and others like it. Still, this lighthearted banter reflects the diverse opinions you can find within the sneaker community, where each release is met with excitement, critique, and humour. At the end of the day, sneaker culture is as much about personal expression and community engagement as it is about the shoes themselves. Shoes like the “El Grito” tend to remind us of that because, in the same comments thread, another user wrote “Must Cop”, so there you have it.
The Air Jordan 5 PRM “El Grito” Release Details
So, where will you be on September 7th, 2024? That’s when the Air Jordan 5 PRM “El Grito” will be available to buy via SNKRS and select retailers. Pricing details will be revealed later.
Is this a sneaker you are eager to get your hands on?