The Wait Is Finally Over: MJ’s Iconic Black-Tongued Fire Red 5s Are Making a Comeback

I still remember the first time I laid eyes on a pair of Air Jordan 5s. It was 1990, and I was glued to the TV watching Michael Jordan defy gravity in these revolutionary kicks. Back then, I couldn’t afford them—I was just a broke college kid surviving on ramen and dreams. But man, did I want those shoes. Fast forward to today, and my sneaker closet (much to my wife’s dismay) is overflowing with Jordans. Yet there’s always been one white whale missing from my collection: an authentic pair of “Fire Red” 5s with the black tongue—exactly as MJ wore them.

Well, folks, it looks like the sneaker gods have finally answered our collective prayers. Nike just announced that the Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red” with the black tongue is making its triumphant return on September 13, 2025. Yeah, I know—that’s still more than a year away. But good things come to those who wait, right?

Why This Release Has Me Losing Sleep

Let’s be real here. We’ve seen “Fire Red” 5 retros before—2006, 2013, and a few other variations. But none of them got it completely right. They either had a red tongue instead of black, missing details, or just didn’t capture the magic of the 1990 original that Jordan rocked on court.

This upcoming release is different. Word on the street is that Nike’s going all out for the model’s 35th anniversary. They’re bringing back EVERY. SINGLE. DETAIL. We’re talking the premium white leather upper that creases just right after a few wears. The iconic black tongue that makes these stand out from later variations. Those beautiful Fire Red accents that pop against the white leather. And yes, Michael’s number 23 embroidered on the heel just as it should be.

I literally spilled my coffee when I saw the early images. My wife just rolled her eyes as I frantically zoomed in on my phone screen to check out the details.

The Details That Matter

For sneakerheads like me, it’s all about the little things. Nike is bringing back the original Nike Air branding on the heel, not the Jumpman logo that appeared on later retros. The translucent outsole should yellow slightly over time—just like the originals did (though hopefully not as quickly). The shoe even features the same silhouette and proportions as the 1990 version.

I was at a sneaker convention last weekend, and this was all anybody could talk about. My buddy Dave, who owns a vintage sneaker shop downtown, was practically hyperventilating about the shark tooth midsole design and how this version appears to have the exact same shape as the OGs.

Of course, all this attention to detail comes with a price tag: $210. That’s not cheap by any means, but considering original pairs in wearable condition now go for thousands on the resale market, it’s actually a bargain for what you’re getting—a piece of basketball and sneaker history.

Why These Shoes Matter

For those who might be wondering why grown adults like me get so excited about old basketball shoes, let me try to explain. These aren’t just sneakers—they’re time machines. The Air Jordan 5 was released during what many consider Michael Jordan’s ascension to true greatness. The 1989-90 season saw MJ average 33.6 points per game while wearing these exact shoes.

Designer Tinker Hatfield reportedly drew inspiration from World War II fighter planes for the shark tooth design on the midsole. The shoes also introduced clear rubber soles to basketball sneakers—something that seems common now but was revolutionary at the time.

When I look at these shoes, I don’t just see leather, rubber, and laces. I see Sunday afternoons with my dad watching Jordan play. I see countless playground games where we all tried (and failed) to be like Mike.

The Release Day Game Plan

Mark your calendars for September 13, 2025. These will be available at select retailers and online, but don’t expect them to sit on shelves. I’ve already warned my family that I’ll be glued to multiple devices that morning, frantically refreshing websites.

The last time a highly anticipated Jordan retro dropped, I ended up with three separate devices going simultaneously and still struck out. This time, I’m not taking any chances. I’ve already started setting aside a little cash each month in my “Fire Red Fund” (again, much to my wife’s amusement).

So whether you’re an old-school Jordan fan like me who remembers the originals, or a new collector just appreciating classic design, these are definitely worth pursuing. Just be prepared for the inevitable release day madness. And if you manage to score a pair, wear them proudly. After all, shoes this iconic deserve to hit the streets, not just sit in a box.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go practice my website refreshing skills and figure out which of my current sneakers I can sell to make room for these beauties. September 2025 can’t come soon enough!