The Original 'Pre-Grape' Air Jordan 5 Sample from 1990

Not 'Hornets' after all.

Air Jordan 5 Pre Grape 1990 Sample (1)

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Air Jordan 5 Pre Grape 1990 Sample (1)

by Brandon Richard

Dubbed ‘Hornets’ by sneakerheads early, the navy-based Air Jordan 5 that released today is actually based on a sample from 1990 that never made it to production.

Initially, the shoe was going to release in place of the ‘Grape’ 5, which is arguably the model’s most popular colorway. The look is inspired by Michael Jordan’s ties to North Carolina sports.

Here’s a detailed look at the original Air Jordan 5 sample, along with sketches by Tinker Hatfield.

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Air Jordan 5 Pre Grape 1990 Sample (2)

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Air Jordan 5 Pre Grape 1990 Sample (3)

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Air Jordan 5 Pre Grape 1990 Sample (4)

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Air Jordan 5 Pre Grape 1990 Sample (5)