Jordan 5 Retro SE

Decorated with rich maroon tones that have seen it nicknamed Burgundy, this Jordan 5 Retro SE is a suave sneaker filled with comfort-giving features. The first of these can be found underfoot, where its rubber outsole is lined with herringbone grip formations below both the heel and forefoot for excellent traction. These areas are translucent, the latter piece revealing a Jumpman logo behind it, while the toe and the section below the arch of the foot are formed of a smoother rubber in a stealthy shade of dark purple. Jordan lettering has been debossed into this last part, and two oblong-shaped protrusions down its edges complete the shoe’s supportive tread design. The deep purple tone found here spreads upwards into the polyurethane midsole, covering the whole thing except for the visible Air window in the heel, which shows off the soft cushioning held within, and the AJ5’s trademark shark teeth adornment that zigzags just behind the forefoot on the lateral side. This one comes in Light Graphite with flecks of black scattered across it, as does the single ‘tooth’ that appears on the medial midsole.

With the sole unit providing a compelling tonal variation, the upper brings in textural contrasts through its blend of synthetic and full-grain leather. These parts, which make up the overlays on the toe, quarter and heel, as well as the base layer across the forefoot and around the collar, are all coated in Deep Burgundy tones, giving the sneaker a refined look. The familiar translucent white mesh has been set into each flank, delivering added ventilation to the sides of the foot, and each quarter panel also hosts pieces of molded TPU marked with several eyelets to accommodate the Light Graphite laces. More of these molded eyelets have been inserted into the collar just in front of the padded humps that bulge out over each one of the ankles, offering them extra protection.

The medial collar lifts a little higher than its lateral side, and Light Graphite material can be seen looping around the topline. This marks the beginning of the soft inner lining, which reaches downwards to coat the Jumpman-branded insole. The logo printed here exhibits a Deep Burgundy hue, and above it, on the back of the tongue, is an Air Jordan label. Another Jumpman has been embroidered into the heel counter, this time in a contrasting shade of gray, before one more of these dynamic emblems adorns the front of the tongue. This one is made of fine Deep Burgundy thread, and the surface it has been sewn into is made of a reflective Metallic Silver fabric, which creates an eye-catching luster. Resting below this and attached to the laces is a Light Graphite toggle with a clear plastic housing that helps keep the laces securely fastened. Lastly, a panel of translucent mesh sits behind these on the lower part of the tongue, thus finishing off this classy Air Jordan 5 with yet another satisfying amenity.