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Sometimes to push forward, you have to strip back – that's what Nike must've thought when deciding to, as part of their Retro initiative, re-release the Air Jordan 5 'White and Black', also known as 'Reverse Metallic'.

Back with its lace toggle and only very subtly patterned side-panels, this sneaker is further indicative of what seems to be a general movement at Nike towards more minimalist kicks.

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Whether we compare this to the one-tone Comfort Rides of late, the all black Air Max Boot, the creamy Phantoms, or even the fully burgundy-brown satin Jordan 1 Lows – Nike's apparently honing in on a knack for simplistic colorways, and stepping away from more maximalist designs.

Nonetheless, friends of funkier footwear needn't worry, as Nike is sure to roll out more visually piercing models as we speak. But until then, congratulate the sneakerheads amongst you that'll undoubtedly bask in this back to basics moment.

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