Air Jordan 9 Retro review

Who should buy the Air Jordan 9

This basketball shoe is a good match for you if:

• You are looking for a basketball shoe with good ankle support for feet protection
• You want a lightweight shoe that enables you to run faster on the court
• You prefer a responsive shoe that allows you to move freely in any direction

Protect your feet with Air Jordan 9 lightweight cushioning

Like most ’90s basketball shoe models, players commented on having extra support on the midsole because of this pair's firm polyurethane foam that encases two Nike Air units: one at the forefoot and one at the heel.

According to several players, this pair offers a lightweight cushion that goes thin to thick from the forefoot to the heel, achieving a balance between court feel and impact protection.

Excellent grip on any type of court

The outsole features a flat storytelling tread pattern that surprisingly provides a decent grip on indoor and outdoor courts. The flex grooves on the anatomical outsole make the shoe bend and twist naturally.

It also allows the right areas to hit the ground at all times, maximizing the effects of the traction pattern.

Fits true to size, but not for wide feet

The Air Jordan 9 Retro runs true to size but according to people who bought this pair, it fits narrow, especially on the sides. It is recommended to go half a size up or to try the shoes on in your local shoe store before purchasing.

A perfect combination of support and lockdown

Basketball players mentioned that this pair delivers great support and lockdown, thanks to its two-layer upper construction, molded TPU arch, and one-pull lacing system.

... but feels stiff at first

Several buyers complained about the shoe's stiffness right out of the box. However, they have also mentioned that the inner cleatie setup of this pair adds softness and comfort after a few times of using this pair. 

Never goes out of style

Many casual shoe fans commented that the Jordan 9 Retro has amazing colorways and a stylish appearance. Some mentioned that this shoe matches their casual outfits well and stands out on the street.

The Air Jordan 9 offers a responsive and bouncy ride

Many verified buyers attested that this shoe provides quicker turnover with each step and keeps their bodies low to the ground. Some also mentioned that it has a bouncy heel and great ankle support which makes it great for running.

Durable materials? The Jordan 9 Retro delivers

According to some testers, this shoe is durable and breathable. Thanks to its leather materials, verified buyers commented that the shoe can withstand abrasion and high temperatures.

People also find this shoe's plastic lace loops easier to pull when tightening it because of its one-pull lacing system.

In addition, many have also commented that the Air Jordan 9 allows them to feel lightweight and flexible, thanks to its two encapsulated Air-Sole units at the forefoot and heel. The solid rubber outsole also comes in different translucent variations.

Air Jordan 9: A bit of history

Designed by Tinker Hatfield for Michael Jordan in 1993, the Air Jordan IX was never worn on the court by the legendary NBA player because he announced his first retirement in that same year. The shoe, however, is immortalized by a statue of MJ in the United Center in Chicago. The shoe features a Nike Air sole in the midsole. It also has a leather upper and a one-pull lacing system.

The Air Jordan IX was inspired by Japanese elements. One of which is the Rising Sun accompanied by the Jumpman logo. For designer Tinker Hatfield, the shoe represents Michael Jordan’s cross-cultural reach and influence.

In an interview, Hatfield shares, “The Air Jordan IX represented the globalization of the Air Jordan brand name. Everybody around the world wanted to be like Mike. Take a close look at the soles of the shoes, we designed the different languages around the world that describes the sporting spirit of Michael Jordan and what he has done for the world of sports.” To further represent this, words from different languages are embossed onto the sole of the shoe.

Air Jordan 9: Colorways

Ever since its release in 1993, the shoe has been retroed many times. The Jordan 9 comes in more than 36 colorways – the most popular ones being the ‘Bred,’ ‘Space Jam,’ and ‘Anthracite.’

Original colorways of the Air Jordan 9:

• Black/Dark Charcoal-True Red ‘Charcoal’
• Black/Light Olive-True Red ‘Olive’
• White/Black-Dark Powder Blue ‘Powder Blue’
• White/Black-True Red

Air Jordan 9 Pinnacle ‘Glove Pack’

This limited-edition two-shoe set pays tribute to Michael Jordan’s love for baseball. Constructed with premium leather, the Air Jordan IX Pinnacle ‘Glove Pack’ comes in either black or brown. 

Air Jordan 9 Premio ‘Bin23’

One of the rarest Air Jordans, the Air Jordan 9 Premio ‘Bin23’ is dressed in white leather and gold nubuck. Premium touches include gold detailing and a red wax “Bin 23” stamp on the collar.

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘All-Star’

Jordan Brand goes back to Michael Jordan’s roots as the 2019 All-Star Game takes place in Charlotte. A UNC-inspired colorway of the Air Jordan IX, the ‘All-Star’ comes dressed in white, navy, and university blue.

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘City of Flight’

To celebrate the 2018 All-Star festivities, the Jordan Band launches a simple colorway dressed in black and summit white with hints of gold on the branding. On the insole, a map-inspired graphic finishes off the LA-inspired theme.

Air Jordan 9 Retro DB

Designed by Oswaldo Jimenez, the Doernbecher X Air Jordan 9 features feather detailing and Jimenez’s nickname “Pollito” on the tongue. This is also the first Air Jordan 9 to feature a translucent outsole. “I think sporty kids will like my shoe, especially my little brother,” Jimenez says. “He’s my number one fan.”

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘For The Love Of The Game’

As an important part of Jordan Brand’s ‘For The Love Of The Game’ pack, the Air Jordan 9 comes dressed in white, black, and university blue.

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘Kilroy Pack’

Launched in 2012, the ‘Kilroy Pack’ is a six-shoe collection that is based on the fictional alter egos of Michael Jordan that were created for his old ad campaigns. The collection includes ‘Johnny Kilroy,’ ‘Fontay Montana,’ ‘Slim Jenkins,’ ‘Bentley Ellis,’ ‘Calvin Bailey,’ and ‘Motorboat Jones.’

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘Kobe’

The Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘Kobe’ celebrates the time Kobe Bryant was a sneaker free agent. Crafted after the pair the Black Mamba wore, the ‘Kobe’ features a Lakers-inspired combination of white, tour yellow, and concord.

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘MOP Melo’

The Air Jordan IX ‘MOP Melo’ celebrates Carmelo Anthony’s tenure at Syracuse where he won the 2003 National Championship. 

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘Silver Anniversary’

Released in 2010, this Air Jordan 9 is part of Jordan Brand’s 25th Anniversary collection. These Michael Jordan basketball shoes feature an all-white leather upper with silver accents on the tongue and heel.

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘Space Jam’

The Air Jordan series makes special references to the popular movie Space Jam. Almost every Air Jordan shoe has an aptly named Space Jam colorway. The Air Jordan 9 Space Jam features a black and white leather upper.

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘The Spirit’

This colorway of the Air Jordan 9 pays tribute to Michael Jordan’s statue outside the United Center known as “The Spirit.” 

Air Jordan 9 Retro ‘Quai 54’

Released as part of Jordan Brand’s Quai 54 tournament, the ‘Quai 54’ features a white leather upper with black and varsity maize accents.