A beloved non-OG colorway makes a glowing return this Saturday.
The White Metallic Air Jordan 5 first hit the streets in 2000. Much like with, well, everything, the world of Jordan Brand was rapidly changing at the turn of the century. Jordan Brand had a new strategy for their yearly releases- the inclusion of non-original colorways into the mix. This era is defined by sneakers that have created their own lore and left a lasting impact on sneaker fans.
In reality, this quick pivot was a risk for the brand. A risk that, ultimately, paid off as it gave us the likes of important sneakers in the brand’s history, like the Cool Greys, the Columbias, and, of course, the White Metallic Air Jordan 5.
The 2000 White Metallic 5 via eBay
The White Metallic 5 was introduced in 2000 as a counterpart to the 1990 original Black Metallic 5. The Black Metallic was a fan favorite because of details like the flush nubuck, red accents and, of course, the metallic details. The sneaker that was released a decade later changed some of the details of the original, though.
The upper was not only replaced in color, but in material as well. The White Metallics traded the nubuck for a premium tumbled white leather. The stark contrast in color was one thing, but the drastic change in material really transformed the sneaker into something new. Though the details were changed, like the removal of red accents or the oval laces, what remained was the reflective tongue that had become so synonymous with the Air Jordan 5.
The White Metallic was accepted with open arms. Over time, partially because of how the shoe aged, it became mood board fodder for your favorite Instagram accounts. The shoe tastefully aged and honored an era of Jordan Brand that felt so nostalgic to sneaker heads.
Last seen in 2015, the White Metallic 5 is making a glorious return this weekend. The sneaker, which will retail for $215, will feature a new detail that neither of its previous renditions included. The 2026 retro will feature the famous “Nike Air” branding on the heel that is so beloved by fans. Not even its original 2000 release featured that detail. That said, the 2026 release delivers on the legacy left by its predecessors. It marks an important era in Jordan Brand history and offers a great footwear option for Spring and Summer.
The Air Jordan 5 White Metallic releases this Saturday, April 25th, via Nike and participating Air Jordan retailers like Foot Locker.
Studio shots by Sneaker Politics
