Angelo Baque doesn’t really do "hype" in the way most people think about it. If you’ve followed his trajectory from the hallways of Supreme to the helm of Awake NY, you know he’s more interested in the soul of New York than the secondary market price on StockX. That’s exactly why the Awake NY Jordan 5 feels so different from the endless stream of "L"s we all take on SNKRS every Saturday morning. It isn't just a shoe. It’s a love letter to a specific era of the city, a nod to the kids who used to hang out on 125th Street, and a masterclass in how to respect a silhouette without suffocating it in logos.
The sneaker world is tired. We’re all exhausted by the same three colorways being recycled until they lose all meaning. But then this dropped. The Awake NY Jordan 5 isn't trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just trying to tell a better story.
The Cultural DNA of the Awake NY Jordan 5
To understand this shoe, you have to understand the man behind it. Angelo Baque spent ten years as the brand director at Supreme during its most influential era. He saw how the brand moved from a skate shop to a global juggernaut. When he started Awake NY in 2012, he took that "if you know, you know" energy and localized it. The Awake NY Jordan 5 is the culmination of that journey. It bridges the gap between the high-fashion aspirations of modern streetwear and the gritty, concrete-stained reality of 1990s Queens.
The Air Jordan 5 was originally released in 1990. Designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, it was inspired by World War II P-51 Mustang fighter jets. You see it in the shark-tooth shapes on the midsole. It was aggressive. It was fast. It was exactly what Mike needed when he was tormenting the league. But Baque’s version strips back some of that combativeness and replaces it with a refined, almost architectural sensibility.
It's about the details. Look at the translucent netting on the side panels. On a standard pair of Vs, that’s usually a clear or slightly yellowed plastic. On the Awake NY Jordan 5, it serves as a canvas for a subtle, script logo that feels integrated rather than slapped on. It’s the difference between a billboard and a tattoo. One is loud for the sake of being loud; the other is a permanent part of the identity.
Why the Metallic Silver Matters
Most people look at the metallic silver accents and think, "Oh, cool, shiny." But for New Yorkers, that silver is a callback. It’s the color of the subway cars before they were covered in vinyl wraps. It’s the flash of a Nikon camera in a dimly lit club. Honestly, it’s just a vibe that captures the "Black Metallic" heritage while pushing it into a more premium space.
When you hold the Awake NY Jordan 5 in your hand, the first thing you notice is the suede. It isn't that rough, cardboard-feeling stuff you find on mass-produced GRs (General Releases). It’s buttery. It catches the light in a way that makes the black look deep, almost like a void. That contrast between the matte upper and the reflective tongue is what makes the Jordan 5 iconic, and Awake leaned into that contrast perfectly.
Navigating the Hype: Is it Actually Wearable?
Let’s be real for a second. Some collaborations are unwearable. They’re "art pieces" that sit on a clear plastic shelf in a climate-controlled room. That is the literal opposite of what Awake NY stands for.
The Awake NY Jordan 5 was built to be thrashed. It looks better when the suede gets a little dusty. It looks better when the icy blue outsole starts to get that slight amber tint from hitting the pavement. If you’re buying these just to flip them, you’re missing the point entirely. Baque has gone on record multiple times saying he wants to see his clothes on people on the train, not just on celebrities in the front row of Fashion Week.
The fit is classic Jordan 5. It’s chunky. If you’re used to slim-profile shoes like the Jordan 1 or a Dunk, this is going to feel like a tank on your foot. But that’s the charm. It provides a level of ankle support and "heft" that feels substantial. You feel the history of the 1990 NBA season every time you lace them up.
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- Sizing tip: Stick to your true size. The padding inside the Jordan 5 is notorious for being thick, but it breaks in after about three or four wears. If you have wide feet, don't even think about sizing down.
- Styling: Don't overthink it. A pair of loose-fitting fatigue pants or some heavy-weight denim is the move here. The shoe is the statement; your pants shouldn't be fighting it for attention.
The Small Details That Change Everything
Usually, a brand just puts their name on the heel. Awake did that, sure, but they also messed with the "23" embroidery. That’s sacred ground. For many Jordan purists, touching the 23 or the Nike Air logo is a sin. But the way the Awake NY Jordan 5 incorporates its own branding alongside the Jumpman feels respectful. It’s a partnership of equals.
The lace locks—those little plastic toggles that most people just leave dangling—feel more durable here. Even the box is a keeper. In a world where Nike is moving toward "sustainable" (read: flimsy) packaging, having a box that feels like a piece of the collection matters to collectors. It’s the "unboxing experience" that everyone talks about, but without the annoying influencer overtones.
Where Does This Rank in the Jordan 5 Pantheon?
If we're being honest, the Jordan 5 doesn't always get the love it deserves. It’s often overshadowed by the 1, the 3, and the 4. But in the last few years, we've seen a massive resurgence. Between the Virgil Abloh Off-White versions and the DJ Khaled "We The Best" collection (which was polarizing, to say the least), the silhouette is having a moment.
The Awake NY Jordan 5 sits comfortably in the top tier of these collaborations. Why? Because it doesn't feel like it’s trying too hard. The Off-White 5s were a deconstructed masterpiece, but they were definitely "costume" sneakers. The Awake version is something you can wear to a bodega at 2 AM or a gallery opening at 8 PM. That versatility is rare.
It’s also worth noting the color palette. By sticking to a primarily black and silver base with those hits of Awake’s signature blue and green accents, they’ve created something timeless. It won't look "dated" in five years. You could pull these out in 2030 and they’ll still look just as sharp.
The Reality of the Secondary Market
Look, we have to talk about the price. Retail was one thing, but if you missed out on the initial drop at the Awake NY flagship or through their website, you're looking at a premium. Is the Awake NY Jordan 5 worth the resale price?
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That depends on what you value. If you’re looking for an investment vehicle, maybe look elsewhere. The sneaker market is volatile. But if you’re looking for a piece of New York streetwear history that you can actually wear, then yes. It’s worth every penny. You’re paying for the curation of Angelo Baque. You’re paying for a shoe that wasn't designed by a committee in a boardroom, but by a guy who actually walked these streets.
There’s a lot of noise in the sneaker community right now. People are complaining about "collab fatigue." And they’re right. We don't need another colorway just for the sake of it. But the Awake NY Jordan 5 isn't just another colorway. It’s a reminder that when you combine a legendary silhouette with a designer who actually cares about the culture, you get something special.
Basically, it's a win. It’s a win for Awake, a win for Jordan Brand, and a win for anyone lucky enough to have a pair in their rotation.
How to Authenticate Your Pair
Because this is a high-profile drop, the fakes are already out there. Be careful. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- The Embroidery: Look at the "Awake" script. On authentic pairs, the stitching is dense and slightly raised. Fakes often have thin, "wispy" threads that look like they're coming apart.
- The Scent: This sounds weird, but real Jordans have a specific chemical smell—a mix of factory glue and high-end leather. Fakes often smell like harsh spray paint or cheap plastic.
- The Reflective Tongue: Hit it with your phone's flash. The 3M material on the Awake NY Jordan 5 should reflect light evenly. If it looks "splotchy" or dull, stay away.
- The Netting: The TPU netting on the side should be firm, not squishy. On the Awake version, the logo underneath should be crisp and legible, not blurred.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Collector
If you're looking to add the Awake NY Jordan 5 to your collection, don't just rush into a purchase on a random app. Take a breath.
First, check the verified marketplaces like GOAT or eBay (with their authenticity guarantee). Prices fluctuate based on the time of day and even the day of the week. Sunday nights are often a great time to snag a deal when people are looking to offload pairs before the work week starts.
Second, if you're planning on wearing them, look for "Used - Like New" listings. You can often save $50-$100 just because someone tried them on once and realized they didn't like the fit. Since you're going to put them on your feet anyway, that "deadstock" premium isn't always worth it.
Third, invest in a good suede protector. New York weather is unpredictable, and the black suede on these will soak up water like a sponge. A quick spray of a reputable water-proofer will keep them looking fresh for years.
Finally, wear the damn shoes. Don't let them sit in a box. The Awake NY Jordan 5 was meant to be seen. It was meant to hit the pavement. It was meant to be a part of your story, just like it’s a part of the story of the city that inspired it. If you've got them, lace them up. The world is waiting.