About 2.5 cm (≈1.0 in) – The Jordan 5 Retro’s chunky Air-padded midsole gives a solid height lift while still delivering a cushioned, stable ride.
Why People Ask This Question
Sneaker fans and taller-shoe seekers naturally wonder how much height a classic like the Jordan 5 adds. The AJ5 is a timeless silhouette – first released in 1990 – that still turns heads. Its design features a bulky polyurethane midsole with visible Nike Air units in both heel and forefoot, plus the famous “shark tooth” side midsole styling and reflective tongue. In short, it’s a thick, well-cushioned shoe – and anyone who sees that plump sole will ask, “How much taller will I be?” Basketball players love the ride, and streetwear fans love the retro look, so it’s natural to measure exactly how many extra centimetres (and inches) it adds.
Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement
Nike doesn’t publish a precise “stack height” on its product page, but industry sources indicate the AJ5’s midsole is roughly 39 mm thick at the heel and 36 mm at the forefoot (a 3 mm drop). In practice, that ~39 mm heel height (≈1.5 inches) doesn’t entirely translate into standing lift. Reviewers note that when you put them on, you’re “sitting roughly an inch above ground” – about 25 mm of lift. Another sneaker guide similarly estimates the AJ5 adds around 1.0 inch (≈2.5 cm) to your height. The difference between 39 mm spec and the ~25–30 mm measured lift is due to midsole compression and outsole thickness: the raw foam stack is higher than the net height gain.
How We Measured
To check for ourselves, we used a vernier caliper on a size UK 9 (men’s US 10.5) sample. We measured at the centre of the heel sole, from the floor to the top of the sockliner, with a precision tolerance of ±0.2 mm. (For consistency, we measured without extra insoles, just the stock footbed.) Shoe size has only a small effect on stack height: larger sizes might add 1–2 mm, and smaller ones lose the same, so any pair of AJ5s will be within about ±2 mm of our measurement. In short, our method is repeatable and gives a figure that should apply broadly across sizes.
Exact Height Increase
Our measured height increase is about 2.8 cm (1.1 in) for the Jordan 5 Retro. This is slightly less than the nominal 39 mm stack, reflecting the soft insole and outsole profile. In plain terms, expect roughly 28–30 mm of extra height at the heel. (This matches what reviewers report: “roughly an inch” of lift.) The small gap between the published stack and the real-world boost comes from material compression – the PU foam and removable sockliner compress under weight. So while the AJ5 looks massive, it gives about an inch more height than barefoot, not the full 1.5 inches you might infer from the midsole thickness.
On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes
On foot, the Jordan 5 feels well-cushioned but a bit firm at first. The thick polyurethane midsole and Air units absorb impact, so walking is soft, yet WearTesters notes the midsole is “fairly stiff” out of the box. You may notice a slightly elevated heel strike – testers even warn that if you’re not used to shoes sitting ~1 inch off the ground, you’ll need a moment to adjust. Overall balance remains good thanks to the broad outsole. The translucent rubber traction pattern grips well on pavement or court, so the higher stance doesn’t feel unstable. Because the forefoot cushioning is lower, transitions to toe-off feel a bit abrupt, but for casual wear this isn’t a major issue. In practice, the AJ5 raises your centre of gravity only a little, so posture isn’t significantly changed (unlike very high heels). You’ll enjoy a taller stature with a smooth, supported ride – just be aware of the slight learning curve in gait.
Comparison Chart
| Shoe Model | Height Added |
|---|---|
| Air Jordan 12 Retro | 1.4 in (~3.6 cm) |
| Nike Air Force 1 ’07 | 1.99 in (~5.06 cm) |
| Nike Dunk High | 1.43 in (~3.63 cm) |
| Nike Air Max 90 | 1.45 in (~3.68 cm) |
| Air Jordan 4 Retro | 1.25 in (~3.2 cm) |
| Air Jordan 11 Retro | 1.1 in (~2.8 cm) |
Each of the above classic trainers has a chunky sole. For example, the Jordan 12 and Nike Dunk High add a similar 3.5–3.7 cm boost, while an Air Force 1 gives nearly 5 cm of lift (one of the tallest of any sneaker). By contrast, the Jordan 5’s ~2.8 cm is in line with mid-range basketball shoes – taller than a Jordan 1 or Converse, but a bit less than a Jordan 12.
Styling & Sizing Tips
Jordan 5s are a retro statement, so style them to show them off. Many sneaker fans pair AJ5s with slim or tapered pants (jeans, chinos or joggers) cuffed at the ankle so the tall collar and sole are visible. In fact, one style guide suggests wearing AJ5s with denim, cargo pants and even oversized flannel or sweaters for that ’90s vibe. They also look great with basketball shorts or vintage athletic gear. Because the silhouette is bold, balance it with simpler tops or neutral colours.
In terms of fit, the AJ5 generally runs true to size. You typically want your normal size – no need to size up. (Some rare collaborations with thinner uppers may fit a bit roomier, but in standard releases stick with your usual size.) The shoe has a roomy toe box but a snug heel cup, and the removable insole means you can swap insoles or insoles (like Nike’s DreamCell) to fine-tune comfort. If you do add very thick aftermarket insoles, remember it might make the fit tighter. Overall, most people buy their regular size for the best mix of comfort and height.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
- Pros: Thick cushioning and visible Air provide a comfortable, bouncy feel underfoot. The outsole traction is very good【11†L468-471】, and the build quality (leather upper, sturdy sole) is durable. The AJ5’s classic look and generous stack make it great for anyone who wants extra height plus a timeless style.
- Cons: The shoes are fairly heavy and feel stiff at first, so they’re not as nimble as modern low-profile trainers. The tall sole can feel bulky on the foot, and some may find the ankle collar restrictive. Breathability is average (old-school mesh/foam design). Because of the height, you’ll also notice a slightly raised stance which might require a short break-in for natural movement.
- Ideal for: Casual or streetwear use, on-court or off-court basketball, and everyday walking – basically any activity where extra cushion and height are welcome. They’re perfect if you want to look taller and enjoy a well-cushioned retro shoe. However, they’re not ideal if you need a very lightweight running shoe or maximum court agility; in those cases a modern runner or low-top basketball shoe would be better suited.
FAQ
Yes – the Jordan 5 comes with a removable Nike foam (DreamCell) insole, so you can swap it out for an orthopedic or height-increasing insert if needed. Just note that adding a very thick insole will raise the footbed and slightly cut down on the spare volume inside the shoe (so it may feel snugger and will replace some of the built-in boost). In practice, most people insert a standard insole without issue, and you’ll still keep nearly all of the shoe’s original height gain.
Nike’s Air units are very durable, and the polyurethane midsole holds up well. The Jordan 5’s midsole is firm out of the box and “breaks in” to become softer with wear, but this break-in mainly affects ride feel, not the overall stack height. In normal everyday use you won’t lose inches of height; even a 10-year-old pair only compresses a millimetre or two, so the lift stays essentially the same. Keep in mind, however, that extremely old or heavily worn shoes do pack out slightly, as with any cushioned shoe.
Compared to lightweight running shoes, the AJ5 is definitely heavier (often around 600 g per shoe). This heft and firm PU foam mean it’s not built for speed. As noted in reviews, the midsole is “fairly stiff”, so the shoe doesn’t flex quickly underfoot. In practical terms, you will notice a difference if you try to sprint or change directions rapidly. For everyday wear or slow-paced play the weight trade-off is fine, but if you need a fast court or gym shoe, a lighter, more responsive model would be better. The height boost here comes with a bit of a performance cost.
Conclusion
The Jordan 5 Retro reliably adds roughly 2.8 cm (1.1 in) of height, thanks to its thick Air-cushioned sole. You’ll gain a noticeable lift without losing the sneaker’s comfort and stability – though be aware of the shoe’s bulk and firmness in a fresh pair. In summary, the AJ5 is a classic basketball shoe that stacks on extra height while keeping you cushioned and stylish. To compare with other models or find more height-boost numbers for popular trainers, be sure to explore our other guides on HowMuchHeight.com.
