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When the Air Jordan 9 first debuted in 1993, it was the first Jordan model released during Michael Jordan’s initial retirement from basketball. Despite MJ’s absence from the court, the AJ9 became an icon in its own right, bridging basketball, baseball, and global culture. From classic OG colorways to modern reinterpretations, the Air Jordan 9 has cemented its place in sneaker history. Here’s our list of the top 9 Air Jordan 9s of all time, complete with their SKU, release date, and why they’ve earned a spot on this list.

9. Air Jordan 9 ‘Cool Grey’

Air Jordan 9 ‘Cool Grey’ 302370-015
  • SKU: 302370-015
  • Release Date: 2002 (OG), December 15, 2012 (Retro), March 15, 2025 (Retro Coming Soon)
  • Description: Inspired by the wildly successful Air Jordan 11 ‘Cool Grey’, this rendition of the AJ9 swaps in a two-tone grey upper and white midsole. A modern classic, it’s a go-to for fans of neutral-toned sneakers.

8. Air Jordan 9 ‘Kobe PE’

Air Jordan 9 ‘Kobe PE’ 302370-121
  • SKU: 302370-121
  • Release Date: November 2016
  • Description: This Player Exclusive honors Kobe Bryant’s time in Los Angeles, featuring a white upper with purple and gold accents. Though initially unreleased, it was later made available in limited numbers, making it a grail for collectors.

7. Air Jordan 9 ‘Gym Red’

Air Jordan 9 ‘Gym Red’ 302370-160
  • SKU: 302370-160
  • Release Date: October 5, 2019
  • Description: The ‘Gym Red’ Air Jordan 9 combines a bold red patent leather upper with white accents, creating a striking, energetic look. This colorway is perfect for those who want their sneakers to make a statement.

6. Air Jordan 9 ‘Olive’

Air Jordan 9 ‘Olive’ 302370-020
  • SKU: 302370-020
  • Release Date: 1993 (OG), 2002 (Retro), 2012 (Retro), 2024 (Retro)
  • Description: The ‘Olive’ AJ9 is a divisive yet iconic colorway, blending black leather with olive green accents. It’s a bold departure from traditional Jordan colorways and has earned a cult following over the years.

5. Air Jordan 9 ‘Johnny Kilroy‘

Air Jordan 9 ‘Johnny Kilroy' 302370-012
  • SKU: 302370-012
  • Release Date: October 6, 2012
  • Description: Paying homage to the fictional alter ego from a Jordan marketing campaign, the ‘Johnny Kilroy’ AJ9 combines a black and metallic platinum upper with red accents. The tongue tag reads “Kilroy Kicks Butt,” adding a unique storytelling element.

4. Air Jordan 9 ‘Motorboat Jones’

Air Jordan 9 ‘Motorboat Jones’ 302370-645
  • SKU: 302370-645
  • Release Date: December 1, 2012
  • Description: Part of the ‘Kilroy Pack’, the ‘Motorboat Jones’ colorway grabs attention with its bright red upper and black detailing. It’s one of the most eye-catching iterations of the AJ9.

3. Air Jordan 9 ‘Charcoal’

Air Jordan 9 ‘Charcoal’ 302370-005
  • SKU: 302370-005
  • Release Date: 1994 (OG), 2010 (Retro)
  • Description: First released in 1994 and retroed in 2010, the ‘Charcoal’ Air Jordan 9 features a dark nubuck upper with subtle hints of red. Its understated yet bold look makes it one of the most versatile AJ9s.

2. Air Jordan 9 ‘White/Black-True Red’

Air Jordan 9 ‘White/Black-True Red’ 302370-101
  • SKU: 302370-101
  • Release Date: 1993 (OG), 2002 (Retro), 2008 (Retro), 2016 (Retro)
  • Description: The original Air Jordan 9 remains a fan favorite with its clean white leather upper, contrasting black overlays, and pops of true red. The shoe encapsulated Jordan’s global influence, with design elements like multilingual words and a world map on the outsole.

1. Air Jordan 9 ‘Powder Blue’

Air Jordan 9 ‘Powder Blue’ FQ8992-101
  • SKU: FQ8992-101
  • Release Date: 1994 (OG), 2010 (Retro), 2024 (Retro)
  • Description: This clean and classic colorway features a white leather upper, Carolina blue accents, and a black midsole. The ‘Powder Blue’ AJ9 is a nod to Michael Jordan’s college roots and remains a fan-favorite among Tar Heel supporters.

Nice Kicks has more information on retro Jordans and a full calendar of upcoming Jordan release dates.

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