The Jordan 5 Retro ‘Fire Red’ brings heat to your summer rotation

In the late 80s and early 90s, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a Chicago Bulls problem. Perhaps more specifically, they had a Michael Jordan problem.

Even if you’re not from either city, you remember “The Shot” and the image of Jordan rising above Cavaliers guard Craig Ehlo off an inbound pass to drop a series-clinching buzzer-beater in their 1989 Eastern Conference first-round match-up.

Less than 12 months later, on March 28, 1990, His Airness returned to Cleveland late in the regular season to twist the knife. That night, he needed everything in his arsenal to put the Cavs to bed in overtime, racking up a career-high 69 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and a block as the Bulls prevailed 117-113.

And on his feet? The Air Jordan 5 ‘Fire Red.’

In 1990, the release of the AJ 5 brought with it new technology not seen in sneakers before. Legendary designer Tinker Hatfield used a clear outsole that led to the sneaker being widely nicknamed “Glass Bottoms,” and a tongue made of 3M material designed to flash when it was hit by light.

Now, for the first time since 1990, the ‘Fire Red’ 5 returns in OG form. The white leather upper contrasts boldly with the black midsole, while the namesake Fire Red offers eye-catching accents for the lace locks, lining, the Jumpman logo on the tongue and the flame designs on the midsole inspired by the markings on WWII fighter planes.

In a nod to the OG colorway, the Nike Air and Swoosh logos return to the heel of the shoe, replacing the Jumpman featured at the rear of the 2013 retro release, which will surely be pleasing to Jumpman traditionalists.

You can cop your own piece of Jordan Brand history when the Air Jordan 5 Retro ‘Fire Red’ releases on May 2 at Finish Line in full family sizing.