SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

words by Steve Jaconetta

Yes 20+5=25 and not 23. The Air Jordan XX and Air Jordan V will not be packaged together, but that does not mean we cannot see them at the same time. As the Air Jordan 5/18 Collezione inches closer and closer to its release, hype and speculation could not be any higher. The Air Jordan 3/20 Collezione is considered a bonus.

We all got our first glimpse of the Air Jordan III that will accompany the Air Jordan XX in their respective Countdown Package just a few weeks ago. Well now we can lay the speculation on the XX to rest. A new colorway this time around, the Air Jordan Retro 20 will feature a nice all black nubuck colorway. Very much like the regional releases, laser print is found all over the shoe rather than being only on the midfoot strap. Many people had originally thought that we would be seeing a Frankenstein version of the beloved original Stealth XX’s, that my friends thankfully is not the case.

To be honest I actually dig the CDP XX myself. Now don’t get me wrong, i’d much rather have the Stealths, but an all black Jordan is never bad in my book. Plus who could pass on this pack with the black/cement III’s being the other half? I for one know I could not. So for the next few months you can debate all you wish as to whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em. Release on this pack is not until October. This brings me to the cream of the crop, the moment everyone’s been waiting impatiently for — the CDP Air Jordan V.

Is it the Fire Reds from 2006, or is it the White/Black/Fire Red colorway from 2000? While many well reputable people had confirmed which it was, people these days tend to read more into speculation rather than trust. Yes the official colorway description for this shoe is labeled white/fire red-black, but that does not necessarily mean it’s the Retro 5’s from ‘06. Color placement is key, and sometimes you cannot trust the description, you must see the shoe. That was the case with the “Fire Red” Retro 3s from 2007. If you remember the colorway of those had people thinking they were the white/cements for quite awhile. But enough of that, we’re discussing the Collezione 5’s!

They are indeed the V’s from 2000 although with a slight twist. The addition of the #23 stitched on the heel gives them that original Michael Jordan PE vibe. This time around though, no Nike Air. We should all be used to this by now, but we’re not. Hey, at least the 3M tongue is still there! Look at it like this, are you going to wear these? If so, who cares about what’s on the back? Why risk ruining a pair of 2000 V’s or spending more than you’d pay for the pack just to have Nike Air? I for one will gladly take these, wear them, and not care. Meanwhile my 2000 V’s can stay nice and safe, unworn. The XVIII’s with them aren’t too shabby either, coming in a black suede based, varsity red accented colorway.

With a little less than a month until release, everyone’s minds can be finally put at ease. Here is the Air Jordan 5 from the Air Jordan 5/18 CDP! They will be released on August 23rd (no better day than that) and will retail for $310. Keep your eyes peeled on the Release Dates section here for the latest on all your Air Jordan Countdown Packages as well as the Official Thread in our forums.

Bonus pic courtesy of yours truly:

Source: Sole-Locker & KATC

Keys: Jordan shoes, Countdown Pack, Jordan 5, Retro shoes, Jordan 20, Jordan Retro, Jordan Collezione