Blue suede on an Air Jordan 5 is a combination that just works. The Air Jordan 5 "Blue Suede" takes one of the most iconic silhouettes in the game and wraps it in a royal blue coat that's impossible to ignore. The suede gives it that premium, soft-to-the-touch feel that separates it from your standard retros. If you like kicks that make a statement without trying too hard, this is your shoe. Let's get into it.
The Air Jordan 5 "Blue Suede" dropped on September 30, 2017, for $190 as the Game Royal counterpart to the Red Suede that released earlier that summer. Both shoes were part of Jordan Brand's "Flight Suit" collection, referencing the bold flight suits and warm-ups Michael Jordan wore in early Jordan campaigns.
The Blue Suede specifically cites the "Flight Suit East" from MJ's rookie era as the muse. This was also the first time an AJ5 retro went fully blue on the upper for a wide retail release, making it a standout moment for the silhouette.
'Blue Suede' Air Jordans 5s Celebrate the Origin of Flight https://t.co/ht4xjWhK4w pic.twitter.com/1TFOJJsFgK
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) June 30, 2017
The upper is covered in full Game Royal suede, including the side mesh panels and overlays, for a bold monochrome look. The 3M reflective tongue comes in grey and silver with a black Jumpman logo, while Game Royal laces with a clear and blue lace lock complete the top.
The midsole matches in Game Royal with contrasting black shark-tooth detailing — that signature AJ5 element inspired by WWII fighter planes. An icy translucent rubber outsole with a visible Air unit in the heel rounds out the bottom. It's essentially a color-flipped twin to the Red Suede, with identical blocking and materials outside of the hue swap.
| Detail | Blue Suede (2017) | Red Suede (2017) |
|---|---|---|
Style Code |
136027-401 |
136027-602 |
Colorway |
Game Royal/Game Royal/Black |
University Red/Black/University Red |
Release Date |
September 30, 2017 |
July 1, 2017 |
Retail Price |
$190 |
$190 |
Theme |
Flight Suit East |
Flight Suit / Bulls red |
The Air Jordan 5 "Blue Suede" originally dropped in 2017 for $190 and is still available through resale platforms like StockX and GOAT, generally trading above retail depending on size. If you already copped the Red Suede, this is the natural companion piece to complete the Flight Suit set. Verify size, condition, and authenticity before purchasing. Stay locked in to Athlon Sports for the latest sneaker release updates.
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