A Look Back at the Legacy of the Air Jordan 5 “Grape”

The Air Jordan 5 “Grape” is one of the most distinct original colorways in Jordan Brand history. Released in 1990, the purple and emerald-accented sneaker stood apart not for its performance legacy, but for its cultural impact. Worn famously by Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and featured on a Wheaties box, the pair forged a path away from the hardwood.

With its first-ever OG Nike Air retro set to release this weekend (June 21), it’s the perfect time to trace the full timeline of one of Team Jumpman's most beloved colorways.

1990: The Original Air Jordan 5 “Grape”

When Tinker Hatfield unveiled the Air Jordan 5 in 1990, the shoe introduced a fighter jet–inspired design, reflective tongue, and translucent outsole. Four colorways debuted that year, but the white-based “Grape” stood out as the only non-Chicago Bulls palette.

Michael Jordan never wore the “Grape” 5s in a game. Instead, their spotlight came through popular culture. MJ appeared in the pair on a Wheaties box, and Will Smith famously wore them—lace-free—on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The playful color scheme, matched with the show’s wide reach and Will’s bold style, made the “Grape” a symbol of early ’90s street culture and casual cool.

2006: A Long-Awaited Return

After 16 years, the “Grape” 5 finally returned in retro form. Released as part of the LS (Lifestyle) program, the 2006 retro was limited to Tier Zero accounts and came without the original Nike Air branding on the spine in favor of Jumpman logos.

Despite the swap, demand was high. The colorway’s association with Will Smith and ’90s fashion made it a must-have, especially as streetwear shifted toward louder palettes. But the limited release frustrated many, turning the drop into a short-lived opportunity for a lucky few. For many, 2006 was the beginning of the “Grape” legend’s second chapter.

2010: The Fusion Era

In 2010, Jordan Brand’s Fusion series attempted to blend Air Jordan silhouettes with tooling from the Nike Air Force 1. One of the boldest among them was the Air Jordan 5 Fusion “Grape,” which brought the beloved colorway to a hybrid model that split opinion.

While the Fusion series was polarizing, this version received a surprising nod when Kobe Bryant was spotted wearing them during a studio visit with Kanye West. Though far from a classic, this release showed how deep the color combination's legacy had reached, even influencing players and artists outside the typical Jordan collector base.

2013: It's Back (and Also in Black)

The third appearance of the “Grape” 5 came in 2013, this time as a general release. Widespread availability was a blessing for fans who missed out in 2006. The return was well-received, especially among those who wanted to complete their OG 5 collection.

The same year also saw the release of the “Black Grape” retro, a flipped version with black nubuck in place of the white leather. It was a modernized take that resonated with many—arguably enough to overshadow the OG. It marked a turning point where reinterpretations began rivaling originals in popularity.

2015: Digging into the Archives with the “Pre-Grape”

By the mid-2010s, Jordan Brand was exploring deeper cuts from its design archive. Enter the “Pre-Grape,” a previously unreleased sample concept featuring a royal blue leather upper.

Intended as a companion to the original design back in 1990, the “Pre-Grape” Jordan 5 came with a strong narrative of “what could’ve been.” Though not a mainstream hit, it became a niche favorite for those interested in untold design stories from His Airness' eponymous brand.

2018: The Fresh Prince Tribute

Jordan Brand took storytelling to a new level in 2018 with the Air Jordan 5 “Fresh Prince” release. Inspired by Will Smith’s laceless styling on The Fresh Prince, the sneaker featured sealed upper eyelets and arrived without laces, marking the first return of Nike Air branding on the heel since 1990.

While the concept was a clever nod to Smith’s legacy, some collectors were split on the execution. Many wished the shoe had been left unlaced but with open eyelets, allowing fans to choose their look. Still, it was a memorable release that recemented the cultural significance of the purple-and-emerald look.

Later that year, Will Smith was gifted a gold satin “Fresh Prince” F&F edition. Limited to just 23 pairs, the ultra-exclusive sneaker replaced the classic color blocking with a shimmering golden upper. Though intended to be a display piece, PJ Tucker wore a pair on court, adding a final flourish to one of the rarest "Grape"-themed Jordans ever made.

2020: The “Alternate Grape”

The latest twist in the saga came in 2020 with the “Alternate Grape,” a bold suede version that gave purple center stage. It followed the same blueprint as 2013’s “Black Grape,” swapping base colors while maintaining the signature teal and translucent outsole combination.

The “Alternate Grape” Jordans spoke to the ongoing appetite for reimagined classics. While purists still longed for a true OG return, these releases kept the colorway in the public eye and introduced new fans to the legacy.

2025: The First-Ever Nike Air Retro

After 35 years, the “Grape” 5 returns in its closest-to-OG form yet. For the first time since 1990, Jordan Brand is re-releasing the white, teal, and purple icon with accurate shape, original specs, and Nike Air branding on the heel.

More than just another retro, this drop corrects years of reworks and reinterpretations. It honors the shoe’s off-court legacy—from sitcom cameos to cereal box photo shoots—and offers a definitive version for longtime fans and new collectors alike.

The Air Jordan 5 OG “Grape” with Nike Air branding releases in full-family sizing on Saturday, June 21, at select Jordan Brand retailers and Nike.com/Jordan.