In February 2025, Jordan Brand dropped two monumental releases: the Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined” and the Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 “Bred”. Both of these shoes are steeped in legacy, each bringing something unique to the table for long-time fans and even people who are new to the sneaker game. We’ll analyse their heritage, design, market impact, and more to help you determine which you should get if you have a strict budget and are on the fence.

Design & Heritage

Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined”

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined” pays homage to Tinker Hatfield’s 1990 classic. The “Black Metallic” colorway, in particular, became a symbol of Michael Jordan’s early years with the Chicago Bulls, cementing its place in the hearts of fans and collectors worldwide.

The reimagined iteration features a black nubuck upper, reflective metallic silver tongue, fire red Jumpman accents, and the iconic shark-tooth midsole detailing inspired by World War II fighter planes. Notably, the 2025 version introduces white laces—a nod to how Michael Jordan wore them during the 1990 playoffs—and reflective piping around the overlays, adding a contemporary twist.

Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 “Bred”

The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” secured its legendary status thanks to the NBA’s ban on the black-and-red colorway, which violated uniform policies. Nike famously embraced this controversy, paying Michael Jordan’s fines and launching the now-legendary “Banned” marketing campaign. This narrative turned the Air Jordan 1 “Bred” into a symbol of defiance and self-expression.

This 2025 release sees the silhouette return with a painstakingly accurate ‘85 cut: a taller build, larger Swoosh, stiffer and thicker premium leather, and the original black and varsity red color blocking. Packaged in an OG-style box with extra laces and a nostalgic hangtag, the 2025 Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is limited to just 10,000 pairs, amplifying its exclusivity.

Fit, Comfort & Quality

Feature	Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined”	Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 “Bred” (2025)
Upper Material	Nubuck	Premium leather
Notable Updates	White laces, reflective piping, wider toe box	Taller cut, larger Swoosh, OG shape
Comfort	Stiffer leather molds over time	Stiffer leather that molds over time
Sizing	Standard Air Jordan 5 fit	True to size, snug but wearable
Packaging	Standard retro box	OG-style box, limited edition

The AJ5 Reimagined’s wider toe box and softer nubuck offer a comfortable, slightly roomier fit, while the AJ1 High ‘85 “Bred” is praised for its authentic shape and premium feel, though the stiffer leather may require some break-in.

Market Impact & Hype

Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined”

Market Impact

The 2025 release marks the 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Jordan brand—both milestones that drive significant attention and nostalgia. The AJ5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined” stays close to the original 1990 design, with subtle updates like reflective piping and white laces (a nod to Michael Jordan’s playoff look).

The shoe was released widely in full-family sizing, making it accessible and boosting overall sales volume. Early resale prices ranged from US$300 to US$350, but with high stock and broad availability, prices have begun to settle closer to retail, reflecting strong demand but not extreme scarcity.

Hype

Hype was high due to the OG colorway, anniversary timing, and the Reimagined series’ reputation for quality retros. Social media buzz and sneaker media coverage were strong, with many considering it among the year’s top Jordan releases. However, because of the wider release, the hype translated more into cultural impact and accessibility rather than exclusivity-driven frenzy.

Resale Market Analysis for the Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined”

To make research on the secondary market easier for you, here’s a quick price comparison of the Nike Air Jordan 5 “Black Metallic Reimagined” in US9 across some reseller platforms. The data seen below is accurate as of 8 May 2025. For a more recent and real-time price of the Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined” in your size, view here.

Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined” (US9) Price Comparison (8 May 2025)

Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” (2025)

Market Impact

The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is arguably the most anticipated Jordan release of 2025, celebrating the model’s 40th anniversary and reviving the iconic “Banned” colorway with meticulous attention to OG details. The February drop was extremely limited—reportedly only 10,000 pairs globally—making it one of the rarest modern Jordan 1s.

This scarcity drove intense demand and high resale prices, with pairs trading for US$400 to US$500 shortly after release. The limited release led to frustration and outcry among fans, but also cemented the shoe’s status as a grail for collectors. A rumored second release in October 2025 could affect long-term resale values, but the initial market impact was defined by exclusivity and hype.

Hype

Hype for the 2005 “Bred” 1 High ’85 was off the charts, fueled by nostalgia, the anniversary, and the shoe’s mythic status in sneaker culture. The marketing campaign included Super Bowl ads and a Chicago Bulls arena takeover, amplifying mainstream awareness. Despite some sentiment that Jordan 1 hype has cooled in recent years, the “Bred” colorway’s legacy and the extreme scarcity reignited fervor among OG sneakerheads and new fans alike.

Resale Market Analysis for the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” (2025)

To make research on the secondary market easier for you, here’s a quick price comparison of the Nike Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” (2025) in US9 across some reseller platforms. The data seen below is accurate as of 8 May 2025. For a more recent and real-time price of the Nike Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” (2025) in your size, view here.

Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” (US9) Price Comparison (8 May 2025)

Conclusion

Choose the Air Jordan 5 Retro OG “Black Metallic Reimagined” if you want a classic reinvented for today, with comfort, iconic style, and a nod to MJ’s on-court legacy. Opt for the Air Jordan 1 High ‘85 “Bred” if you desire exclusivity, are a history buff, and have a penchant for the purest expression of Jordan Brand’s roots.

Both pairs are testaments to Jordan Brand’s enduring influence and innovation. Whether you’re chasing the “Black Metallic” nostalgia or the “Bred” legend, 2025’s lineup ensures every sneakerhead has reason to celebrate.

So, which route are you going to take?

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