The year was 2013. If you were anywhere near a computer or a mall on June 15th, you remember the chaos. We weren't just looking for another sneaker release; we were looking for the Jordan 5 Black Grape. It felt different. Most non-OG colorways—shoes that Mike didn't actually wear on the court back in the day—usually struggle to find a soul. They feel like filler. But the Black Grape? That was a rare moment where Jordan Brand flipped the script on a 1990 classic and actually made something that felt like it belonged in the vault all along.
Honestly, the "Grape" colorway is sacred. When the original "Emerald" and "Grape Ice" hit the shelves in 1990, it was a culture shock. Basketball shoes were supposed to be red, black, or white. Suddenly, we had teal and purple. It was the "Fresh Prince" era personified. Fast forward twenty-three years, and the designers decided to invert the look. They took that white leather base and swapped it for black nubuck.
It worked. People went absolutely nuts.
The Anatomy of the Jordan 5 Black Grape
Why does this specific shoe keep showing up in "Best Of" lists over a decade later? It’s the contrast. The upper is drenched in a deep, matte black nubuck. It’s soft—not that plastic-feeling synthetic stuff you see on some cheaper retros. Then you have those neon hits. The "New Emerald" and "Grape Ice" jump off the midsole and the tongue like neon lights against a dark alley.
The Jordan 5, designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, was already a masterpiece of aggressive design. Inspired by World War II Mustang fighter planes, it featured those iconic "shark teeth" on the midsole. On the Jordan 5 Black Grape, those teeth are teal, set against a purple backdrop. It’s loud. It’s obnoxious in the best way possible.
You've also got the signature features that make a 5 a 5. The clear lace locks. The translucent "icy" outsole—which, let’s be real, turns yellow if you even look at a puddle the wrong way. And of course, the big, bold reflective tongue. Only this time, the tongue isn't 3M silver; it’s that rich Grape Ice purple with a teal Jumpman stitched right in the center.
Material Matters and the Nubuck Debate
Some purists argue that leather is superior because it’s easier to clean. They aren't wrong. If you scuff the nubuck on your Black Grapes, you're in for a long afternoon with a suede eraser and a lot of patience. But the matte finish of the nubuck gives the colors a depth that leather just can't match. It absorbs light while the emerald accents reflect it.
It creates a vibe.
Where This Shoe Fits in the Jordan Timeline
When the Black Grape dropped in 2013, it was part of a massive year for the Air Jordan 5. We saw the "Oreo," the "Fear Pack," and the re-release of the original White Grapes. But the Black version stood out because it felt like the "away" jersey to the 1990 original.
It’s a "lifestyle" shoe. Let’s be honest: nobody is playing a serious game of pick-up in these in 2026. The tech is dated. The 1990-era Air units are stiff compared to modern Zoom Strobel or React foam. But as a piece of street style? It's bulletproof.
The Cultural Impact
The Black Grape didn't just stay in sneakerhead circles. It migrated. You saw it on rappers, on actors, and all over early Instagram sneaker culture. It was one of those "bridge" shoes that helped transition the hobby from a niche underground community into the mainstream juggernaut it is today.
There’s a specific nostalgia attached to this colorway. It reminds people of the 90s without being a literal carbon copy of what was on shelves in the 90s. That’s a hard trick to pull off. Most "new" colorways feel like they’re trying too hard. This one felt inevitable. Like it should have always existed.
📖 Related: Why A Red, Red Rose Still Makes Sense Hundreds of Years Later
How to Tell if You’re Looking at a Real Pair
Because these are so popular, the market is flooded with fakes. Even years later, people are still trying to pass off "B-grades" or straight-up replicas as the real deal. If you’re hunting for a pair on the secondary market—think GOAT, StockX, or eBay—you need to have your wits about you.
First, look at the tongue. On a legitimate Jordan 5 Black Grape, the tongue is thick and has a very specific shape. Fakes often have "choppy" embroidery on the Jumpman logo. If the fingers on the Jumpman look like sausages or if there’s a "butt crack" where there shouldn't be, walk away.
Second, check the "shark teeth." On the authentic pair, the paint is crisp. The teal shouldn't bleed into the purple. Also, the translucent outsole should have a slight blue tint if they are "Deadstock" (new), or a distinct yellowing if they are aged. If a 13-year-old shoe has perfectly clear, "ice" soles without a hint of oxidation, be suspicious. Physics exists. Plastic yellows over time.
Style Tips: Not Everything Goes With Teal and Purple
This is where people usually mess up. The Black Grape is a "statement" shoe. That means the rest of your outfit needs to shut up and let the sneakers do the talking.
Don't be the person who wears a matching teal and purple windbreaker. It’s too much. It looks like a costume. Instead, go with:
- Black Tapered Denim: This lets the black nubuck of the shoe bleed into the pants, making the colorful midsole pop even harder.
- Neutral Hoodies: Grey, black, or even a muted cream.
- Minimal Branding: You already have a giant purple tongue on your feet. You don't need a giant logo on your chest.
Honestly, the "all-black" fit with the Grapes is a classic for a reason. It’s sleek.
The 2026 Perspective: Is It Still Worth Buying?
We’ve seen a lot of Jordan 5s since 2013. We had the "Fresh Prince" version with no laces. We had the "Alternate Grape" in 2020, which was basically an all-purple suede version. While those were cool, they didn't have the balance of the Black Grape.
The 2013 version (style code 136027-007) is currently sitting at a premium on the resale market. Depending on the condition, you’re looking at anywhere from $300 to $600. That’s a lot of money for a shoe that’s over a decade old.
If you're buying them to wear, you have to be careful about hydrolysis. That’s the fancy scientific term for the foam in the midsole breaking down because of moisture in the air. If a shoe sits in a box for 12 years without being worn, the midsole can literally crumble the first time you step in them.
Pro tip: If you buy an older pair, ask the seller if they’ve been "lightly worn." Ironically, wearing shoes keeps the foam compressed and active, which can actually help them last longer than a pair that’s been sitting deadstock in a hot attic.
Common Misconceptions About the Black Grape 5
I hear people say all the time that Michael Jordan wore these on the court. He didn't. He wore the White Grapes for a Sports Illustrated photoshoot, but he never actually laced them up for an NBA game. The Black Grapes are purely a creation of the retro era.
Another myth is that they are "waterproof" because of the nubuck. Absolutely not. Nubuck is basically sanded-down leather. It’s porous. If you get caught in a rainstorm without a protector spray like Jason Markk or Crep Protect, you're going to have spots.
Taking Care of Your Pair
If you’ve managed to snag a pair of Jordan 5 Black Grapes, you're holding a piece of sneaker history. To keep them looking right, you need a specific kit.
- Suede Brush: Use this to keep the "nap" of the nubuck looking alive. If the black starts looking "ashy," a light brushing can bring back that deep charcoal look.
- Sole Shielding: If you hate the yellow look, you can use sea glow products, but honestly? Embrace the age. A slightly yellowed sole on a Black Grape shows that the shoe has a story.
- Cedar Shoe Trees: These help the shoe keep its shape. The 5 is a bulky shoe, and once it starts to "collapse" or crease heavily at the toe box, it loses that aggressive fighter-jet silhouette.
The Final Verdict
The Jordan 5 Black Grape isn't just a sneaker; it's a mood. It represents a specific time when Jordan Brand was willing to take big risks on "Non-OG" colors and actually landed the jump. It’s dark, it’s vibrant, and it carries the weight of 90s nostalgia without feeling like a history lesson.
Whether you're an old-school collector or a new-head looking for something that stands out from the sea of Pandas and Travis Scotts, the Black Grape is a solid choice. It has personality. It has "shelf presence." And most importantly, it still looks good with a pair of jeans.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you are ready to pull the trigger on a pair, follow these steps to ensure you don't get burned:
- Check the Production Date: Look at the size tag inside the shoe. For the 2013 release, the dates should align with late 2012 or early 2013.
- The "Squeeze Test": If you're buying in person, gently press the midsole. If it feels like rock-hard plastic or if it "gives" too much like stale cake, the foam is failing. You want a firm but slightly elastic feel.
- Smell the Shoe: It sounds weird, but "fake" factory glue has a very distinct, pungent chemical smell that real Nikes don't have. Real Jordans have a more muted, "new shoe" scent.
- Verify the Box: The 2013 box should be the black Jordan box with the red Jumpman. Check the font on the label; "fakes" often have slightly thinner or thicker lettering than the authentic Nike thermal prints.