Air Jordan 5 “Laney” Nike Air Sample

With some exceptions, OG colorways are typically the gold standard for any of Michael Jordan’s signature roster. Afforded the extra leg up of being worn during MJ’s legendary on-court career and further given the most time to build on that legend in its own right, it takes a truly special shoe to enter the canon as an essential look if it wasn’t on the market when the shoe first was.

At the risk of delving into a full “greatest Air Jordan 5 colorways” discussion, the “Laney” objectively has a real argument for being in that inner circle. Taking the prideful colors of Jordan’s varsity alma mater, it has spread onto the Jordan 4 and Jordan 1 in addition to countless non-numbered Jumpman products. But what if our first impression of the Air Jordan 5 “Laney” had been different?

Images have now surfaced, courtesy of @lucosemembrane, of what appears to be a look-see sample of the original 2000 colorway. While the most obvious cues remain in place, what sets these apart is the lack of the drop-shadow “23” text and the inclusion of Nike Air on the heel. Given those two touches, the 1990 “Grape” is a close comparison, perhaps serving as a foundation as Brand Jordan plotted this high school look-back in the first place. Final release versions obviously included Jordan’s number and switched to a Jumpman brand on the back, which was revived for the shoe’s (still) only retro in 2013.

With how liberal the company has been with Nike Air tags in recent years, a divisive topic among collectors, and with their newfound interest in visiting unreleased compositions (the Jordan 6 “Salesman,” the Jordan 3 “Orange Citrus”), perhaps this could serve as inspiration for the next time the “Laney” touches down. For now, take in a piece of history via the images below.

Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.