FOLLOW US
Newsletter
Sneaker Fortress
  • Sneaker News
  • Popular Releases
  • Top 10
Step Into the Future of Sneaker Culture.
Nike Shop
Sneaker Fortress
  • Sneaker News
  • Popular Releases
  • Top 10
Step Into the Future of Sneaker Culture.
Nike Shop
Sneaker Fortress
No Result
View All Result
  • Nike Shop
  • Top 10
  • Air Jordans
  • Nike
  • adidas
  • ASICS
  • Converse
  • Crocs
  • New Balance
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
Home Air Jordans Air Jordan 9

The Top 10 Best Air Jordan 9 Sneakers Of All Time

Let’s look back at the top 10 best Jordan 9 sneakers of all time.

Jarrod Saunders by Jarrod Saunders
May 5, 2025
in Air Jordan 9, Trending
Top 10 Best Air Jordan 9 Retro Sneakers Of All Time

Custom image created by Jarrod Saunders for Sneaker Fortress

This post includes references to products from some of our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click on links to these products. The opinions and information provided on this site are the original editorial content of Sneaker Fortress.

The Jordan 9 is probably one of the strangest Michael Jordan sneakers of all time. Not because it’s ugly or because it has a bad design, but rather because it seems to be less popular than all the Jordans that came before it. “An enigma” might be a better way to describe it. All that said, the sneaker seems to be making a big comeback in 2025. Let’s look back at the top 10 best Jordan 9 Retro sneakers of all time.

Air Jordan 9 Doernbecher

Air Jordan 9 Doernbecher
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

Designed by 11-year-old Oswaldo Jimenez, the Air Jordan 9 Retro Doernbecher is one of the most sought-after and expensive sneakers on the resale market. The current resale price for these sneakers is around $875. Ouch. The sneaker boasts a unique black and gold trim with feather-inspired designs on the mid-sole and upper, making it the most creative Jordan 9 release to date.

Air Jordan 9 ‘MOP Melo’

Air Jordan 9 MOP Melo
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

Paying tribute to Carmelo Anthony’s NCAA championship run in 2003, when he led Syracuse to a title and netted Most Outstanding Player honors, this AJ 9 draws design inspiration directly from the championship trophy. The upper is white leather, with a brown woodgrain-style detail that is actually a “Pro” for Melo’s signature jump moves. The sole is translucent—Melo’s colors shine through. The heel features Anthony’s number “15.”

Air Jordan 9 Premio “Bin23”

Air Jordan 9 Premio Bin23
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

The Air Jordan 9 Retro Premio “Bin23” is an exclusive release with just 1,331 pairs available globally. It boasts a luxurious design, featuring a white leather upper with a metallic gold nubuck overlay that envelops the base and collar. The midsole, eyelets, and tongue tag also feature metallic gold accents. A Bin23 emblem with a red faux wax seal can be found on the lateral collar.

Air Jordan 9 “Calvin Bailey”

Air Jordan 9 Calvin Bailey
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

The AJ9 Retro “Calvin Bailey” features a Deep Royal nubuck upper with perforations for breathability and an elasticated lacing system. Part of the Johnny Kilroy pack, the iconic sneaker also boasts University Gold accents on the eyelets, lining, and outsole. This is another sneaker that’s a homage to the fictional characters that Michael Jordan adopted while he was retired.

Air Jordan 9 ‘Gym Red’

Air Jordan 9 Gym Red
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

These Jumpman sneakers feature a white tumbled leather upper with a red patent leather mudguard, collar, and heel. The inner bootie has a tricolour scheme, while the heel displays a black Jumpman logo on the Air-Sole. The outsole of these jays is made of solid rubber with a multi-directional pattern, and the shoe also includes moulded eyelets and a white #23 branding on the pull tab.

Air Jordan 9 “Motorboat Jones”

Air Jordan 9 Motorboat Jones
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

Yet another sneaker based on a character played by Jordan in ads, the “Motorboat Jones” features a tonal Challenge Red suede upper that gives it a lifestyle aesthetic. A part of the “Alter Egos” Pack, it is a limited release that features “Motorboat Jones” on the tongue tag and a faux “Bandits” Logo on the inside of the tongue.

Air Jordan 9 Kobe

Air Jordan 9 Kobe
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

A version of Kobe Bryant’s previously unattainable Air Jordan 9 Player Exclusive was released in 2016. Los Angeles Lakers supporters were delighted. Bryant wore these exclusive Jordans during his season of sneaker free agency in 2002-03, making them a historic pair of Jordans.

Air Jordan 9 Particle Grey

Air Jordan 9 Particle Grey
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

Another simple design, this silhouette of Michael Jordan’s ninth signature sneaker features a “Particle Grey” colourway, with black-based nubuck upper and grey overlay panels on the mudguard and ankle collar. The shoe is accented with red Jumpman branding on the tongue, insoles, and heel pull tab. If you like a clean look, it doesn’t get cleaner than this.

Air Jordan 9 Pinnacle ‘Baseball Glove Brown’

Air Jordan 9 Pinnacle ‘Baseball Glove Brown’
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

Released on July 15, 2017, the premium Air Jordan 9 Retro Pinnacle ‘Baseball Glove Brown’ is a really special edition release that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s brief stint in professional baseball. One of the most distinctive features of these jays is the number “45” that is stitched onto the heel, a reference to the number that Jordan wore during his time with the Birmingham Barons, a minor league baseball team.

Air Jordan 9 Johnny Kilroy

Air Jordan 9 Johnny Kilroy
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

Launched in October 2012, what makes this pair of Jordans stand out from the rest is that instead of the traditional ‘Air Jordan’ branding on the tongue, the sneaker showcases the name ‘Johnny Kilroy,’ while the heel trades Jordan’s iconic #23 for a #4. It is named after the character played by Michael Jordan’s alter ego in a well-known series of commercials from 1994. To see more amazing Air Jordan 9s, visit: Sneaker Fortress

Tags: Air JordanAir Jordan 9Top 10
ShareTweetSend
Our favourites. Available now at Nike.com

Jarrod Saunders

Jarrod Saunders

If sneakers had a storyteller, it’d be Jarrod Saunders. As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of SneakerFortress.com, Jarrod’s been living and breathing sneaker culture for nearly three decades. With a personal collection stacked with over 100 pairs — from Nike grails and Jordan retros to PUMA classics, adidas collabs, New Balance staples, and even some slept-on Converse heat — this Cape Town native is a walking archive of sneaker history. Jarrod’s passion isn’t just about laces and logos — it’s about the stories behind each pair, the culture they represent, and the drip they bring to the streets. He’s travelled across the globe in search of must-have kicks, but no matter where he lands, one pair always sits at the top of his list: the legendary Air Jordan 11. When he's not writing about the latest drops or curating the freshest fits, you’ll find him spending quality time with his family, hunting for his next sneaker pickup, or serving his community as a deacon in his local church. He’s not just part of the culture — he’s helping shape it.
Outside of work, Jarrod enjoys time with his family, shopping for the latest sneakers, and serving in his local church (where is ordained as a deacon).
Expertise: Advertising, Sneaker Collecting, Filmmaking, SEO Past Titles: Senior Content Creator @ CV Africa Current Title: Editor in Chief @ Sneaker Fortress Connect: jarrodsaunders@fortressza.com

Related Posts

The Most Popular Air Jordan 1s, Ranked
Air Jordan 1

The 5 Most Popular Air Jordan 1s Of All Time

March 10, 2025
adidas-samba-crochet-pack-2025-sneakers
adidas

adidas Samba Gets a Handmade Twist with the New Crochet Pack

April 15, 2025
Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Phantom"
Air Jordan 1

Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Phantom” – The Ultimate Everyday Sneaker?

April 3, 2025
Air Jordan 4 "Flight Club"
Air Jordan 4

The First Rule of Flight Club? Cop These Air Jordan 4s

May 7, 2025
The 10 Best & Most Famous Sneaker Stores In The World
Sneakers

The Top 10 Best Sneaker Stores Around the World

May 5, 2025
Comme des Garçons Shirt X ASICS GEL-Lyte III
ASICS

Comme des Garçons Cooked Up the Weirdest ASICS Collab Yet — And Sneakerheads Are Eating It Up

April 8, 2025
Air Jordan 1 Low OG ‘Football Grey’
Air Jordan 1

Air Jordan 1 Low OG ‘Football Grey’ Proves Less Is More

May 9, 2025
baby jordans
Trending

Jordan Minis Bring Big Style to Your Baby’s First Steps

February 26, 2025
Air Jordan 5 Retro "Raging Bull Red"
Air Jordan 5

Nike, You’re Sitting on Gold – Re-Release the Air Jordan 5 ‘Raging Bull’

April 15, 2025
The Best Custom Jordan Sneakers of 2024
Air Jordans

The 15 Best Custom Jordan Sneakers of 2024

May 5, 2025
Load More

Trending

Nike Air Jordan 1 x Louis Vuitton

Nike Air Jordan 1 x Louis Vuitton Might Be The Most Beautiful Sneaker of 2024

October 29, 2024
Nike Air Max CB 34 Triple White Charles Barkley

Nike Air Max CB 34 “Triple White” – Charles Barkley’s Signature Sneaker Returns

February 21, 2025
Star Wars Jordan 4 Return of the Jedi Sneakers

Jordan 4 “Return of the Jedi” Is The Star Wars Sneaker For Fans

October 29, 2024
Sneaker Fortress

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Company

  • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Ethics Policy
  • Publishing Principles
  • Ownership
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy & Site Disclaimer
  • Sitemap
  • Fortress Entertainment Sites:
  • Fortress of Solitude
  • Sneaker Fortress
  • 23 Jumpman Street

Connect

Nike Shop
  • adidas
  • Converse
  • Air Jordans
    • Air Jordan 1
    • Air Jordan 2
    • Air Jordan 3
    • Air Jordan 4
    • Air Jordan 5
    • Air Jordan 6
    • Air Jordan 7
    • Air Jordan 8
    • Air Jordan 9
    • Air Jordan 10
    • Air Jordan 11
    • Air Jordan 12
    • Air Jordan 13
    • Air Jordan 14
    • Air Jordan 15
    • Air Jordan 16
    • Air Jordan 17
    • Air Jordan 18
    • Air Jordan 19
    • Air Jordan 21
    • Air Jordan 23
    • Air Jordan 39
  • New Balance
  • Nike
    • Nike Air Force 1
    • Nike Air Max
    • Nike Dunk
    • Nike Foamposite
    • Nike Kobe
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
  • Yeezy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Web Stories

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.