Red suede on an Air Jordan 5? Say less. The Air Jordan 5 “Red Suede” is one of those pairs that commands attention the moment you pull them out of the box. The crimson hits differently on this silhouette, and the suede gives it a premium feel that sets it apart from the rest. If you’re a fan of bold kicks that still know how to stay clean, this is the shoe for you. Let’s get into it.
Nike
History Behind the Air Jordan 5 “Red Suede”
The Air Jordan 5 was designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1990, inspired by WWII P-51 Mustang fighter planes — reflected in the jagged shark-tooth midsole and translucent outsole. The “Red Suede,” often nicknamed the “Flight Suit,” dropped on July 1, 2017, as a summer release tying the all-red execution to the bright flight suits seen in early Air Jordan campaigns.
Multiple outlets described it as a more accessible answer to the 2009 Air Jordan 5 “Raging Bull” from the Defining Moments Pack, offering a similar all-red suede look at a general retail level.
Air Jordan 5 "Red Suede" (2017) ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5qThNeD9Pl
— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) July 8, 2024
Design Breakdown of the Air Jordan 5 “Red Suede”
The upper is covered in University Red suede with red stitching and red mesh on the side panels for a bold, monochrome look. The 3M reflective tongue comes in silver with a black Jumpman logo, and red lace locks are included.
The midsole matches in University Red with black shark-tooth detailing, while the icy blue translucent outsole adds contrast underneath with a visible Air unit in the heel.
Black inner lining rounds out the build. The key difference between this and the Raging Bull is the red midsole — the “Red Suede” extends the crimson across the entire shoe for a more uniform look.
Air Jordan 5 “Red Suede” vs. Raging Bull
| Detail | Red Suede (2017) | Raging Bull (2009) |
|---|---|---|
|
Upper |
University Red suede |
Varsity Red suede |
|
Midsole |
Red with black teeth |
Black with silver teeth |
|
Release Type |
General retail |
Limited DMP |
|
Retail Price |
$190 |
Pack pricing |
Where to Buy the Air Jordan 5 “Red Suede”
The Air Jordan 5 “Red Suede” originally dropped in 2017 for $190, but you can still find pairs through resale marketplaces and boutiques. KicksCrew, Stadium Goods, SNKRDUNK, and Editorialist all carry the shoe under style code 136027-602.
Since most pairs are resold, make sure to verify size, condition, and authenticity before purchasing. This is one of those AJ5 colorways that turns heads every time — if you don’t have a pair, now’s the time. Stay locked in to Athlon Sports for the latest sneaker release updates.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Style section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
