EXCLUSIVE: The Jordan Brand Wings Program Turns 10—Here’s the Story Behind the AJ5 That Honors It

Over the last decade, Jordan Brand has changed the lives of thousands of students through the Jordan Wings initiative. With 2025 marking the 10th anniversary of the program, which has not only helped students and youth but has also helped produce some coveted Air Jordan retro releases, it only makes sense that Jordan Brand created a special sneaker marking the milestone. Enter the Air Jordan 5 Retro Wings.

To better understand the story behind the sneaker and the impact of the program it celebrates, Sole Retriever spoke with Cameryn Rutlin, Director of Purpose for the Wings initiative at Jordan Brand. In an exclusive interview, she shared insight into the evolution of Wings, the design process behind the Air Jordan 5, and what success looks like for the next decade and beyond.

What Is the Wings Program?

Launched in 2015, the Jordan Wings initiative was born from Michael Jordan’s belief that greatness lives in every young person — they just need access and opportunity to unlock it. Over the past 10 years, Wings has grown into a global program rooted in education, mentorship, and community investment, reaching students in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, London, Manila, and 33 locations across China.

What began as a scholarship initiative has evolved into a holistic network that supports students from high school to college — and beyond — with a focus on unlocking creativity, leadership, and resilience. In 2025 alone, the Wings Scholars Program will award over 350 scholarships, adding to a growing family of more than 4,000 recipients worldwide.

Wings Sneakers Through the Years

While the Jordan Wings initiative is grounded in education and opportunity, it has also produced some of the most thoughtful sneaker releases in recent memory.

Starting in 2016, Jordan Brand has produced seven different Air Jordan retro colorways with the Wings program, starting with the Air Jordan 12. Following this were pairs like the Air Jordan 3 Retro Wings, Air Jordan 4 Retro Wings, Air Jordan 10 Wings, and even an Air Jordan 5 Wings back in 2018, though that pair is much different than the one releasing in 2025.

A Sneaker That Stands for Something

Jordan Brand designers infused every part of the Air Jordan 5 Retro Wings with meaning, starting with a gleaming metallic silver upper inspired by the traditional 10-year anniversary gift of tin or aluminum. Embroidered on the heel is the number "10," replacing MJ’s usual "23" — a nod to the milestone moment the Wings initiative has reached.

Embroidered on the toe is the phrase “In the Family, No One Flies Alone,” a quote lifted directly from a banner inside Jordan Brand’s headquarters that serves as a guiding mantra for the Wings community. The classic Jumpman branding on the heel gets an added nod to the Wings program, while the inside of the tongue features a WINGS label. Even the packaging carries intention, with the outsole and box showcasing the original “Wings Hands” artwork.

Special accessories round out the release: a Wings 10-Year logo charm and a removable graduation tassel, celebrating the thousands of students who’ve crossed academic finish lines through the program.

Designing with Purpose

For Cameryn Rutlin, the Wings Air Jordan 5 was never meant to be just a commemorative release — it had to carry the weight of a decade-long journey. “The idea for this particular silhouette and design came from a desire to visually represent growth, global impact, and the enduring legacy of the initiative,” said Rutlin. “The Air Jordan 5 was chosen for its iconic status and its history of being a platform for meaningful storytelling.”

Cameryn continued, “We hope it sparks conversations about excellence and inspires people to consider how they, too, can contribute to empowering youth and building stronger communities.” From hidden design elements to thoughtful messaging, every decision was made with intention. “When telling the story of Wings through a product like this, the most important thing to get right is that it’s more than just a shoe.”

In that way, the Wings AJ5 is less about Jordan Brand looking back and more about using product to push purpose forward. “We leverage the established legacy of MJ and the Jordan Brand to create new pathways and opportunities,” Rutlin explained. “That’s how we ensure this work remains impactful for generations to come.”

More Than a Milestone

While the Air Jordan 5 is a physical tribute to a decade of impact, the greater story is about the students, families, and communities that continue to rise through the program.

“The Wings Air Jordan 5 is more than a silhouette — it’s a symbol of what happens when belief meets opportunity,” said Sarah Mensah, President of Jordan Brand. “For ten years, Wings has been a force for transformation in communities that shape culture. This anniversary is a celebration of the students, the stories, and the future we’re building together.”

“Wings was born from a belief that greatness lives in every young person—we just need to unlock it,” added Howard White, Vice President of Brand Affairs. “A decade later, we’re still lifting dreams, still opening doors. This Air Jordan 5 is our tribute to that journey, and a reminder that when one rises, we all rise.”

With over 350 students receiving scholarships in 2025 and thousands more projected to benefit by 2035, the mission remains clear: empower the next generation to fly together.

Q&A with Cameryn Rutlin, Director of Purpose, Jordan Brand Wings

In our conversation with Cameryn Rutlin, she offered deeper insight into the Wings program’s evolution, the design process behind the Air Jordan 5, and what the next chapter looks like for the brand’s most impactful initiative.

Those looking to cop the sneaker can do so on July 16, 2025, when the Air Jordan 5 Retro Wings releases on the Nike SNKRS app. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $210. The pair will be limited to 7,337 units, a clever nod to the 10th anniversary of the Wings program (add the first two or the last two numbers together to get 10). Read below to see our Q/A session with Cameryn.

Q: Looking back over the past decade, how has the Wings program evolved from its original mission to where it stands today?

A: While the initiative is rooted in education, providing access and mentorship, today, it stands as a comprehensive initiative that enables students to truly soar and actively enabling their full potential beyond the classroom.

Q: What are you most proud of when you reflect on the impact Wings has made on students and communities so far?

A: I'm incredibly proud of the positive impact the Wings program has had on lives of young individuals. It’s incredibly rewarding to see thousands of students gain access to higher education and also develop skills that help them evolve into leaders, innovators, and active contributors to their communities.

Q: Can you share an example of a moment or story from the initiative’s early days that still guides how you lead it now?

A: In the initiative’s early days, there was a moment when a student – after receiving their scholarship – shared how they felt a sense of immense relief and hope, but also a nervousness about navigating college life without a support system. That conversation deeply resonated and still guides how we lead today. It reinforced the understanding that providing financial investment is just one piece of the puzzle. This insight solidified our commitment to a holistic approach. We are here to see students through their academic journey.

Q: Jordan Wings is known for turning purpose into real opportunities for youth. What does success look like for you when measuring impact beyond scholarships?

A: Success for Jordan Wings, beyond scholarships, is empowering youth to turn dreams into real opportunities. This means seeing students develop into well-rounded individuals who are not only academically successful, but also socially conscious, resilient, and prepared to tackle real-world challenges. Ultimately, it's about helping young people realize their full potential and become agents of positive change.

Q: What role do you see the program playing in tackling educational equity challenges over the next 10 years?

A: Over the next 10 years, the Wings program will play an even more pivotal role in tackling education challenges. We will deepen our commitment to providing access to quality education and resources, particularly in communities that need it most. This includes expanding our reach to more cities and launching new programs, advocating for positive changes, and continuing to collaborate through partnerships to address evolving educational needs. Our goal is to be a leading force driving a generational legacy forward. By 2035, we are committed to empowering over 10,000 students to follow their dreams.

Q: This Jordan 5 colorway celebrates a decade of Wings. How did the idea for this particular silhouette and design come about?

A: This year’s Air Jordan 5 Wings celebrates a decade of the Wings initiative by embodying the journey and the values of the program – greatness, determination, authenticity, and freedom. The idea for this particular silhouette and design came from a desire to visually represent growth, global impact, and the enduring legacy of the initiative. The Air Jordan 5 was chosen for its iconic status and its history of being a platform for meaningful storytelling. The metallic finish was inspired by the traditional gift of tin or aluminum for a 10th anniversary gift. Other details were then infused to acknowledge the milestone.

​Q: What do you hope fans and consumers feel or think about when they see or wear this anniversary pair?

A: When fans and consumers see or wear this anniversary pair, we hope they feel a sense of connection to the mission of the Wings initiative and the positive change it represents. We hope it sparks conversations about excellence and inspires people to consider how they, too, can contribute to empowering youth and building stronger communities. Ultimately, it's about celebrating a decade of impact and inspiring continued support for the initiative.

Q: Any Easter eggs hidden in the design of this new Jordan 5?

A: Yes, there are a few fun Easter eggs hidden in the design. The outsole features an actual handprint of Michael Jordan, and when placed together, the two shoes’ outsoles complete the number 10, a nod to a decade of the Wings initiative. Additionally, you’ll find a few Wings logos on the shoe that commemorate the evolution of the initiative which we will let people discover on their own.

Q: When telling the story of Wings through a product like the Air Jordan 5, what’s most important to get right?

A: When telling the story of Wings through a product like the Air Jordan 5, the most important thing to get right is that it’s more than just a shoe. It celebrates and should raise awareness and highlight the impactful global impact of the program. It's key that the design authentically reflects the initiative's mission, values and the real-world impact it has.

Q: How do you balance celebrating legacy with pushing the brand’s purpose forward for the next generation?

A: We are continuously evolving with the needs of the youth we serve. While we honor the values and the incredible achievements of the past decade, we also remain forward-thinking by listening to the voices of young people today, understanding their challenges and aspirations, and adjusting our programs to equip them for the future. We leverage the established legacy of MJ and the Jordan Brand to create new pathways and opportunities, ensuring that the Brand's purpose remains impactful and inspiring for generations to come.

Q: If you could share one message with every young person dreaming of joining the Wings family, what would it be?

A: Your potential is limitless, and your voice matters. Believe in your dreams, work hard, and never be afraid to be authentically you. The Jordan Brand family is here to support you in unlocking that potential, providing the access, and equipping you to break barriers. We are invested in the next generation’s success, not just academically, but in becoming the leaders and innovators who will shape the future.

In this article

July 16, 2025

Air Jordan 5 Retro Wings (W)

$210 • IO2038-001

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com