EMPIRE RADIO MAGAZINE
SNEAKER CULTURE | EXCLUSIVE LOOK
AIR JORDAN 5 “SUNSET” RETURNS FOR 2026
A 20-Year Comeback of One of Jordan Brand’s Most Distinctive Women’s Exclusives
By Empire Radio Magazine | Sneaker Culture
There’s something about a classic colorway returning after two decades that hits differently—and the Air Jordan 5 “Sunset” is officially stepping back into the spotlight.
Originally introduced in 2006, the women’s-exclusive “Sunset” colorway returns in 2026, bringing its unmistakable combination of crisp white leather, reflective silver, vibrant orange and deep red back to the Air Jordan lineup. The 2026 release marks 20 years since the original, making this one a notable throwback for longtime Jordan collectors and a fresh introduction for a new generation of sneaker enthusiasts.
THE LOOK
The “Sunset” keeps the Air Jordan 5’s signature aggressive basketball-inspired silhouette while giving the shoe a clean, bright presentation.
The upper features white leather, complemented by the AJ5's translucent mesh quarter panels. A Metallic Silver 3M tongue adds another layer of detail, while the lace lock brings in the color that gives the sneaker its name—Sunset Orange.
The orange continues onto the AJ5's iconic shark-tooth midsole graphics, creating a sharp contrast against the white construction. Fire Red accents appear around the outsole, inner lining and heel Jumpman branding, giving the sneaker an energetic finish.
Underneath, the translucent outsole reveals the familiar Jumpman branding while the visible Air unit continues the performance-inspired DNA of the original Air Jordan 5.
FROM 2006 TO 2026
The “Sunset” has been waiting 20 years for its return.
The original 2006 release was a women's-exclusive colorway, and Jordan Brand is maintaining that positioning for the 2026 retro. The current release carries the style code IV5678-102 and the official colorway is listed as White/Sunset-Fire Red-Black.
For collectors who remember the original pair, the 2026 release represents a return to a very specific era of Jordan Brand design—when bold pops of color were being incorporated into classic silhouettes without overwhelming the shoe.
For newer sneakerheads, the “Sunset” offers a clean white-based AJ5 with enough orange and red detailing to stand out.
RELEASE DETAILS
Air Jordan 5 “Sunset” — Women's
Style Code: IV5678-102
Colorway: White/Sunset-Fire Red-Black
Retail Price: $205
Release Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Release Time: 2:00 PM ET
Sizing: Women's sizing
Available through: Nike/SNKRS in the U.S.
Editor's Note: September 26, 2026 is a Saturday, but Nike's official launch listing currently identifies the “Sunset” release as Friday, September 25 at 2:00 PM ET.
WHY THE “SUNSET” STANDS OUT
The Air Jordan 5 already has one of the most recognizable profiles in the Jordan catalog. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and originally introduced in 1990, the model is known for its distinctive tongue, side netting, jagged midsole graphics and visible Air cushioning.
The “Sunset” colorway takes those recognizable elements and creates a color story that feels particularly suited to the transition from summer into fall: white leather, metallic silver, sunset orange and fiery red.
It's a sneaker that can function as a statement piece without requiring an overly complicated outfit.
EMPIRE RADIO MAGAZINE VERDICT
The Air Jordan 5 “Sunset” is more than another Jordan retro hitting shelves in 2026. It's a return to a colorway that originally appeared two decades ago and is now being reintroduced with the visual identity that made the original memorable.
Whether you're a longtime Jordan collector revisiting a 2006 favorite or discovering the colorway for the first time, the “Sunset” brings a distinctly 2000s Jordan aesthetic into 2026.
Twenty years later, the Sunset is shining again.
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