on Different Shades of Grey Adorn the New Air Jordan 1 KO | Our verdict
Relive the 90s sneaker scene with the Air Jordan 5 Retro SE Craft, a multi-textured kick that has the right blend of subtlety and punch, making it OOTD-ready no matter what the season is. This high-top basketball sneaker also offers impeccable comfort and breathability, ensuring it feels as good as it looks.
Pros
- Insanely comfy
- Breathable canvas upper
- Quality materials
- Retro-inspired Instinct
- Year-round versatility
- True-to-size fit'
- Air Jordan 5 PSG Paris St Germain Shirts
- Attention grabber
- Looks the same online and on hand
Cons
- Expensive
- Takes time to put on
- The tongue lacks reflective details
Who should buy Air Jordan 5 Retro SE Craft
Get this Jordan basketball sneaker if you are:
- Air Jordan 5 Retro Quai 54 Rooog Knows high-top.
- In need of a special edition sneaker made of quality materials.
- Shopping for a retro-inspired kick that can be worn throughout the year.
Who should not buy it
Go for the Air jordan 1 low unc university blue 553558-403 for a more affordable alternative. The $140 sneakers are also easy to put on and off. The AJ8 Retro boasts a quirky tongue and a price point of $190, $20 cheaper than the SE Craft.
AJ5 Retro SE Craft is true to size
In terms of fit, many reviewers confirmed that the sneakers are true to size. An expert even noted that you will be just fine going with your usual size. To make sure you are getting the right size for you, read more about how Jordan shoe sizes work using this guide.
Out-of-this-world comfort
According to a sneakerhead this AJ5 is the “absolute most comfortable Jordans” they ever had. One reviewer commented that the sneaker has “insane quality and comfort” while another tester described them to be “superbly soft and comfortable.” “It’s almost like wearing a slipper but it looks like the AJ5,” they added.
Air Jordan 5 Retro SE Craft is a well-put-together sneaker
The sneakers are described by the reviewers to be “well-crafted” and “nicely put-together.” An expert noted that this is due to the various textures and clean look that the Instinct imbues.
On the upper, a mixture of hairy suede and canvas material makes “a really cool combination.” The textures from the rough-cut suede and woven-like canvas “really utilize the whole SE and Craft labeling,” said an expert. “The long-cut suede is amazing and the canvas materials make these shoes very very breathable!” exclaimed another tester.
On the other hand, the midsole of the sneaker is made of polyurethane, encapsulating the four air units. It also features a visible heel bubble which, according to an expert, is characteristic of Air Jordan 3s to 6s. The outsole is complemented with a translucent rubber. “Icy sole is super clean!” described one tester.
The non-reflective tongue is a miss
However, despite the fresh-looking Instinct of the Air Jordan 5 Retro SE Craft, many fans noted that the tongue lacks the edgy reflective details that other Air Jordan 5s have. “One thing that is Pro though is the reflective stuff!” said an expert. “Not having a reflective tongue kind of throws it off,” said another sneaker expert.
A star for all season
Air Jordan 5 Retro SE Craft is an all-around sneaker that can be worn from summer to spring. The relaxed earthy colorway makes it fresh for the sunny seasons while the suede construction allows it to be worn during the cold months too. One tester noted that although the sneakers can be hot, they are still perfect for the summer because of the breathable canvas. Apart from that, one sneaker fan noted that the kicks have great autumn vibes, thanks to the cracked suede on the toebox and the heel counter.
Here are other comments about the style of the Retro SE Craft:
- “This shoe is dope!!! Great-looking and it looks just like the picture posted.”
- “It's not too loud and subtle enough to be paired with a variety of options.”
- “Jordan Brand has definitely taken a different approach to their upcoming.”
- “Jordan Why Not Zer0.5 Boy!!!”
Air Jordan 3 30?
Many reviewers saw the release of the Air Jordan 5 Retro SE Craft to be untimely as the hype for the “Thunder” colorway of the AJ4s hasn’t subsided yet. The SE Craft was released just a few weeks after the release of the Thunder on May 2023. Some expert reviewers, though, blame the lackluster sales of the sneaker on its so-so aesthetic despite being an SE. One expert described them to be “nothing special” and “not really bad but just nah.” To another reviewer, the sneakers are on backburners as it fails to meet the expectations, especially from a special edition release.
However, the AJ5 Retro SE Craft also gained a cult following. To another sneakerhead, the kicks are “super underrated.” One tester also said that the kicks are being slept on despite being a dope shoe. “You are sleeping on the shoes if you don’t already have them!” urged another sneaker fan.
Nike Air Jordan 8 Retro Aqua 26cm
With a price tag of $210, many sneakerheads noted that the kicks are a bit pricey. Compared to the average cost of all Jordan high-tops at $180, the SE Craft is 16.67% more expensive. The kicks are also 34.76% pricier compared to the mean price of all basketball-inspired high-tops on the Stefoy-les-lyonShops database which is $157.
However, despite its price tag, many reviewers recommend buying the sneaker for its looks and comfort. “Even if the price is high, the cost doesn't matter when you are wearing the best shoes in the game,” said one reviewer. According to another tester, you will not regret your purchase because the sneaker is a “great quality shoe with tons of comfort.”
Good to know
- The kicks are well-padded but hard to put on according to several testers.
- Air Jordan 1 Mid SE Grey Fog Lemon 2020.
