A stealthy Air Jordan sneaker that was once rumored to be released in 2024 before an unexpected cancellation is reportedly finally set to materialize in the new year.

After the aforementioned pump fake in 2024, the fan-favorite Air Jordan “Black Cat” theme will make its way to the Air Jordan 5 Retro OG for the first time during fall 2027. And although in-hand images of the new style aren’t yet available, the upcoming pair is expected to feature a fully blacked-out design across the entirety of Michael Jordan’s fifth signature sneaker. 

All of the model’s key components, including its fighter jet flame-inspired midsole design, ventilated tongue and side panel cut-outs and translucent rubber outsole will all receive matching triple-black makeover. The Black Cat style is also expected to include true-to-original details including heel Nike Air stitching and Jordan’s personalized number 23 embroidery.

First expected to be released in 2024, the first Black Cat Air Jordan 5 release was quietly canceled before ever appearing in any official Nike, Inc. promotional materials. Three years after the fact, it looks like the anticipated colorway will finally be hitting stores.

Inspired by one of Jordan’s many nicknames, the Black Cat line has become one of the most popular themes in the Air Jordan line. First featured on 2006’s Black Cat Air Jordan 4 and reprised a year later on the Black Cat Air Jordan 3, the concept went dormant throughout the 2010s while the 2006 and 2007 pairs became increasingly coveted. 2020 saw the first-ever Air Jordan 4 Black Cat reissue and the theme has been a near-instant hit for Jordan Brand ever since. 

The Air Jordan 5 Retro OG Black Cat is set to be released during fall 2027 for a retail price of $220 from Nike’s Snkrs app and select Jordan Brand retailers. A style code for the new 2027 version has not yet been confirmed, but the canceled 2024 version had a SKU of FZ2239-001 with a full colorway of Anthracite/Black/Off Noir.