Jordan 5 Tokyo Review | Honest History, Sizing, Value 2025

When I first saw the Jordan 5 Tokyo, it felt less like a sneaker and more like a piece of art. The bright yellow nubuck upper with black accents stood out from anything I had ever worn. As a sneaker lover who grew up around Jordans, this one carried a different vibe — exclusive, rare and deeply tied to sneaker history.

In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the Jordan 5 Tokyo, its history, design, comfort, sizing and resale value, plus some real pros and cons for anyone thinking about buying.

Jordan 5 Tokyo Review – My Honest Experience and Guide

History of the Jordan 5 Tokyo

The Air Jordan 5 Tokyo T23 was first released in 2011 to celebrate the opening of a Jordan Brand store in Tokyo. Only a limited number of pairs were produced, making them one of the most sought-after Jordans today.

Key points:

• Released: 2011 (Tokyo exclusive)
• Nickname: “Tokyo T23”
• Designer: Tinker Hatfield (original Jordan 5 design, 1990)
• Limited pairs: Extremely rare, now mostly found on resale

This sneaker quickly became a grail for collectors worldwide. Every time I wear them, I feel like I’m carrying a little piece of Jordan history.

First Impressions

When I opened the box, the yellow suede instantly caught my eye. It’s not too bright but bold enough to make a statement.

Design highlights:

• Premium yellow nubuck upper
• Black and white midsole with the signature shark teeth design
• 23 embroidery on the heel, a tribute to Michael Jordan
• Transparent icy outsole
• Tokyo “T23” logo replacing the usual Jordan 5 logo

I wore them to a sneaker meetup and honestly, they turned heads everywhere. The yellow color is unique — it’s not something you can hide but that’s the point.

Jordan 5 Tokyo Sizing and Comfort

I usually wear a US 9 in Jordans and the Jordan 5 Tokyo fits true to size. However, the Jordan 5 silhouette can feel a little bulky compared to Jordan 1s or Jordan 4s.

Comfort-wise:

• Cushioning: Great for casual wear, not too stiff
• Breathability: Average (the nubuck traps some heat)
• Weight: Slightly heavy but expected for retro Jordans

If you plan on wearing them all day, they’re comfortable but not as light as newer models like the Jordan 36.

Price and Resale Value

Back in 2011, retail was around $175. Today, resale prices can go anywhere between $8,000 – $15,000+ depending on condition and size.

Here’s a quick table for clarity:

If you’re buying, always double-check authenticity. Fake pairs are everywhere.

Pros and Cons

My Personal Experience

The first time I wore my Jordan 5 Tokyos outside, I felt nervous — one step in dirt and it could ruin them. But at the same time, that’s the beauty of sneakers: they’re made to be worn.

Walking in them felt like carrying a part of sneaker culture. People asked questions, snapped photos and I had more conversations about shoes in one day than I usually do in a month.

For me, the Jordan 5 Tokyo isn’t just a sneaker. It’s a story, a memory and a flex all in one.

Is Jordan 5 Tokyo Worth Buying in 2025?

If you’re a collector with money to spend, absolutely. This shoe will likely keep increasing in value over time. But if you’re just looking for daily wear Jordans, this might not be the practical choice.

Personally, I’d recommend buying them only if you love rare sneakers and are okay with keeping them safe most of the time. For casual wear, Jordan 5 Retro GRs or Jordan 1s are better.

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Final Thoughts

The Jordan 5 Tokyo is more than a sneaker — it’s history, culture and exclusivity combined. From the striking yellow suede to the rare T23 branding, it’s a shoe that only a handful of people will ever own.

My honest take? If you ever get the chance to buy one (and can afford it), go for it. Even if you don’t wear it often, it’s a piece of sneaker history worth having.

FAQs – Jordan 5 Tokyo